SESSION UPDATE
This week, I had a hearing in the Capital Investment Committee on my bill, HF 3307, which would provide bonding money for the Thief River Falls Regional Airport to build a new cargo hangar building. I was proud to carry this bill that is important to those who use the regional airport!
Also this week, we finally passed additional funding for the Rural Finance Authority’s loan program that helps farmers keep their operations afloat during financial difficulties. This was the bill that House Republicans tried to bring up for a vote before funding ran out last week, when Democrats unanimously voted against it. I was proud to vote for this important funding, and I’m glad our farmers will get this needed support.
On Thursday, we debated a bill to impose a new mandate on employers in Minnesota to provide up to 24 weeks of paid family and medical leave for their employees. This bill, as we heard from countless testifiers in committee, would put enormous burdens on small businesses and create even more bureaucracy that would get in the way of people who just want to grow their business. In addition, it would create a massive new system in a short amount of time, with no assurances that it would work any better than the failed MNLARS system. I voted no, after hearing from many constituents, employers, and employees, who would be negatively impacted by this bill.
I got a visit this week from a great group of representatives from the Wheat Growers, Farm Bureau, and Farm Credit Services in our area. I always enjoy meeting with constituents at the Capitol. Britton Fugelseth and Caidyn Johnson were here with Future Farmers of America (FFA) Day on the hill this week. Thank you for visiting.
PLEASE CONTACT ME
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!
Deb Kiel
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