Minnesota Farmers Union

(May 25, 2011) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is disappointed the Legislature could not get more done this legislative session. 

“MFU is in agreement with Governor Mark Dayton’s offer to the Legislature on the budget,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  “The people of Minnesota deserve a fair and honest budget, not one that makes empty promises that could end up raising property taxes, cutting health care, local government aid and transportation, and hurting the most vulnerable of Minnesotans.” 

MFU agrees with Governor Dayton’s veto of the Omnibus Health and Human Services bill because the bill would have revamped Minnesota Care. The Department of Human Services estimated that this action would result in thousands of working Minnesotans losing their health care.

“Farmers have a variable income and many rural communities rely heavily on Minnesota Care. Cuts to Minnesota Care would be devastating to rural Minnesotans, and Minnesota Farmers Union will continue to fight to make sure those cuts do not happen,” said Peterson. 

MFU is disappointed the Legislature did not pass a tax bill the Governor could sign and we are concerned about the impact a tax bill will have on property taxes, local government aid and essential services for our local units of government. 

St. Paul (May 20, 2009) - Minnesota Farmer Union (MFU) saw positive action on many fronts this year at the state capitol during the 2009 legislative session which adjourned on Monday May 18.

"We were pleased that there were positive results for our priorities, including changes to the Green Acres Program; extension of the Farmer-Lender Program; and $35 million for the Rural Finance Authority," said Doug Peterson, MN Farmers Union President.  "However, the fact that the Legislature did not pass an overall budget is of concern.  It is now up to Governor Tim Pawlenty to makes cuts.  Farmers are very concerned about high and rising property taxes, and the Governor needs to consider the impact on landowners when making these budget decisions."

The budget for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) took reasonable cuts during the legislative session.  Governor Pawlenty will make further cuts to the state budget through the unallotment process, where funding for these departments could be further reduced.  In addition, MFU is very concerned about the impact the unallotment process could have on property taxes; cuts to Local Government Aid (LGA); and assistance for hospitals and nursing homes.