| Today, the Minnesota legislature returned to the Capitol for special session to finalize the state’s two-year $52 billion budget—it is important to pass the budget before July 1 to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate spent the day preparing & organizing the negotiated bills…stay tuned for details later this week. Recognized for Dedication to Companion Animals The Animal Humane Society presented me with the 2021 Animal Advocate Award, recognizing the dedication to the welfare of companion animals. This award honors lawmakers who led the way and advanced companion animal welfare in Minnesota during this year’s legislative session. I authored SF73, the Companion Animal Board bill, which would establish a panel of members that would work in conjunction with the current Board of Animal Health and would also establish a companion animal license plate. I have maintained a strong commitment to this initiative throughout my years in the Senate, authoring similar bills in past legislative sessions. Though the bill was not passed into law this year, the language will carry over into the 2022 legislative session. The plans is to continue championing this initiative again next year during the second half of the biennium. “We appreciate Senator Ruud’s continued leadership on this issue and her dedication to the welfare of all companion animals in Minnesota,” said Kathy Mock, Chief Government Affairs & Community Engagement Officer of the Animal Humane Society. “I am always happy to partner with The Animal Humane Society, and I am honored to have received this award for the second year in a row. Companion animals deserve to receive proper care and love, and I am proud to continually partner with a great organization dedicated to furthering these interests. We will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals next session, including those loyally providing priceless support and assistance to their owners.” Here are a few items from last week—thank you for the great meetings! Brainerd Chamber Legislative Update, Aitkin Area Chamber Legislative Update Luncheon, Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, Crosslake State of the Lakes, Paul Bunyan’s Brainerd Chamber Business After Hours If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook. As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn. Talk to you soon! Carrie Ruud |
