ST. PAUL, MN –Senate Republicans responded to the announcement from Gov. Walz and Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson for drought relief with the following statements:

“Many of Minnesota’s farmers have had a tough season of drought, compounded by the challenges of COVID restrictions. I’m working on a targeted relief package that could provide rapid response grants and property tax rebates to help our farmers and the critical role they play in our important food supply chain,” Senator Torrey Westrom (R- Elbow Lake) said. “We also recognize the vital work and produce farmers provide for our state, especially during this tough economic pinch the drought has put some farmers in – particularly those raising livestock, as their forage is in short supply and they don’t have any type of crop or revenue insurance to cover losses or expenses created by the drought.

“In the meantime, their property tax bills will still become due this fall, along with other fixed expenses, so any one-time assistance package would help demonstrate our appreciation for the important role the agriculture community plays in our state,” Westrom concluded. Westrom is the chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

“I appreciate the efforts of Commissioner Peterson to reach out to the legislature and engage with stakeholders to put together a drought relief package,” Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller (R- Winona) said. “The Senate will work with the Commissioner and his team to find a bipartisan solution to provide support to Minnesota’s farmers affected by the drought.”