Legislative Update – February 23, 2024
As we close out our second week of the legislative session, I have been glad to meet with constituents and advocates about the issues they want the legislature to address in 2024.
On Tuesday, I was glad to speak at the Minnesota Farmers Union “Day at the Capitol” and discuss Right to Repair legislation for farm equipment, affordable health care, and ensuring our farmers can stay competitive in the market. As Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Committee, I am dedicated to ensuring that our small and family farmers have the tools they need to thrive!
You can also check out my weekly interview with Jeff Johnson on KYMN here!
Presenting Bills in Environment Committee
This Wednesday, I presented two bills in front of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, including my bill ensuring that Minnesota’s Public Water Inventory is updated to reflect all bodies of water that fall under the public water definition. This would include a tributary to the Cannon River, which flows through our district and deserves full protection under our laws.
The committee also passed my bill creating more transparency and accountability regarding drain tiles for farmers across our state. Decades of unreported installation of drain tiling meant that when I first moved to Northfield, I didn’t know the land we rented had drain tiles installed. I later learned from a neighbor mid-season that drain tile had been installed in the past, affecting how we grew crops.
This bill would give future farmers more access to drain tile information so they can make the best decisions regarding their land. You can watch the committee recording here.
Insulin Prices Capped
Democrats are dedicated to reducing the cost of health care and protecting against price-gouging. Earlier this month, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a landmark settlement with the Eli Lily insulin company that caps insulin at just $35 for the next 5 years.
Drug companies raised the price of insulin by over 1,100% between 1990 and 2020, and this settlement ensures that Minnesotans can afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.
You can learn more about the settlement and how to get insulin for just $35 a month here: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/MNinsulin35/.
Cooperative Development Funding
This week, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced they are accepting applications for their Cooperative Development Grant Program through April 24, 2024. The program was created and funded in our 2023 bipartisan Agriculture Budget Bill.
The Cooperative Development Grant program helps support the development of agricultural co-ops across our state and expands opportunities for locally produced commodities, products, and services. Check out the agriculture department’s website for eligibility and application information!
I also want to highlight recent news from the Sahan Journal: New director of Minnesota Emerging Farmer’s office brings commitment to immigrants, farmers of color. You can learn more about Director Lillian Otieno, who grew up surrounded by small farmers in Kenya and is now in charge of supporting emerging farmers in our state!
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