On a broad bipartisan vote, the Minnesota Senate Thursday passed legislation championed by Senate Republicans to fund agriculture, rural development, and affordable housing in Minnesota. The comprehensive budget bill places an emphasis on rural broadband expansion, invests in affordable manufactured housing and home ownership, prioritizes value-added agriculture opportunities that directly impact farmers, and increases resources for farmer mental health services.

Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) released the following statement:

“I was born and raised in greater Minnesota, so I know how important a thriving agriculture economy is to Minnesota’s success. Our budget directly helps farmers in the fields – the ones who are maybe struggling with mental health issues in the face of low commodity prices; or who are having trouble finding affordable workforce housing; or who still don’t have access to high speed internet.”