Ag bill has bipartisan support as Minnesota lawmakers prepare for June special session

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Ag bill has bipartisan support as Minnesota lawmakers prepare for June special session

The agriculture bill should be one of the least divisive pieces of legislation as Minnesota lawmakers look ahead to a special session next month.

House Agriculture Committee chair Mike Sundin tells Brownfield work will continue even though the legislature adjourned May 17th.

“And I hope we can get that wrapped up sooner than later. Usually the ag bill is the first one out, and I’d be happy to maintain that tradition.”

The Democrat from Esko says the ag bill adds five years to the Farmer-Lender Mediation program and modifies the Board of Animal Health to include one more livestock producer as well as a member of a federally recognized tribe.

Legislative leaders and Governor Walz announced a budget framework at the conclusion of the regular session that Sundin says provides $80 million to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas throughout the state.

“That’s going to be a terrific benefit for rural Minnesota. I’m really really pleased about that investment.”

Lawmakers are expected to clash on how to meet budget targets after not passing a single budget bill during the 2021 regular session.

The special session will reportedly happen in mid-June.

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