Legislative

Legislature Update: Shutdown has consequences

At midnight on Tuesday and with the start of October, current federal funding ran out after the president and Congress failed to reach a deal on spending. This has consequences…

Legislative Update: Ted Matthews honored for mental health work

Last week, MFU celebrated the official retirement of Minnesota’s long-serving Agricultural Mental Health Specialist, Ted Matthews, at the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) summer conference at the Grand Casino…

Legislative Update: Senate narrowly passes massive budget bill

Near midday Wednesday, the United States Senate narrowly passed the massive, near 1,000-page budget reconciliation package. The bill aims to reshape federal spending, making steep cuts to food assistance and…

Legislative Update: Speaker Hortman to lie in state

 We’re mourning the horrific and incalculable loss of Speaker Melissa Hortman. Many MFU members met Rep. Hortman through lobby days at the Capitol, at the State Fair, Farmfest, or at…

Legislative Update: One day special session finalizes state budget

On Monday, June 9 state lawmakers fulfilled their constitutional obligation to finalize a new state budget for everything from road construction to education. Legislative leaders and the governor reached this…

Legislative Update: Ag bill passes in regular session

On Monday, May 19, the state legislature adjourned with much of the state budget left undone. In order to complete their work before state funding runs out on June 30,…

Legislative Update: It’s hurry up and wait at state Legislature

At the time of writing this, just five days remain until the end of the state legislative session on Monday, May 19. Legislative leaders and the governor have yet to…

Legislative Update: State legislative session down to last 10 days

The legislature has just 10 full days left until they are constitutionally required to adjourn on Monday, May 19. Competing House and Senate omnibus proposals for taxes, healthcare and energy…

Sen. Aric Putnam
Legislative Update: State ag omnibus bills advance

Last week, the House agriculture omnibus bill made history as the first budget bill crafted by bipartisan co-chairs to clear that body. Yesterday the Senate followed suit. MFU has worked…

Legislative Update: With 3 weeks to go, legislators remain optimistic

In Minnesota, lawmakers returned from legislative break to renew their work on crafting a new, two-year state budget. Just three full weeks remain until the state legislature’s constitutional adjournment on…