The Senate is wrapping up another busy week during the 2022 legislative session… here is a recap of latest developments from the Capitol.
This is the second deadline week, therefore multiple bills I have Chief Authored were moving & passing through committee: Voluntary Salt Applicator Program SF2768; Constitutional Amendment/LCCMR Initiative SF4131; Omnibus Environment Policy SF4062… this bill contains many of my individual policy bills.
Ruud Legislation to Improve Snowmobile Safety
This week with bipartisan support, the Senate passed key legislation SF3063 that improves snowmobile safety. My bill increases penalties and fines given to snowmobile operators that intentionally leave marked trails to trespass on private property.
Minnesota is currently home to over 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobiles trails, with over 21,000 of those miles maintained by local snowmobile club volunteers, contributing to a $1 billion industry that drives tourism throughout the state. There are currently approximately 220,000 registered snowmobiles in Minnesota.
“It has been a point of frustration that some snowmobilers have ignored trail signage to leave marked trails. These bad apples travel off-trail and often enter onto private property or fields that can be easily damaged. To deal with this, snowmobile clubs and landowners have worked together to maintain trails and educate snowmobile operators. This bill will add increased penalties as a deterrent meant to encourage snowmobile operators to stay on marked trails,”
This legislation passed in the House and Senate with bipartisan support… the bill now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Solid Waste Management Legislation
This week I presented legislation SF1531 in the Senate Taxes Committee which allocates 75% of the Solid Waste Management Tax (SWMT) revenues to be credited to the environmental fund, increasing the allocation to 80% in 2024 and 2025, and then to 100% in 2026 onward.
Current law only allows for either $33.7 million or 70% of revenue, whichever is higher, to be deposited into the environmental fund. The other 30% goes to the General Fund. This legislation will phase-in redirection of these funds to the Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE), to be used for grants and recycling spending.
This is an investment in Minnesota—it provides more funding for recycling initiatives and waste management in counties, allowing us to protect our state’s land, water, air quality, and natural resources. Counties have been required to provide 25% matching funds, but often spend so much more to keep up with expensive programs. This bill ensures funds are completely dedicated to the program they were meant to fund.
It was a pleasure to have Crow Wing County Commissioner Steve Barrows attend the Taxes Committee to testify in person. Even the weather couldn’t keep him away from coming to advocate for this important issue. Thank you!
Senate Passes Legislation—Financial Divestment from Russia and Belarus
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February, the Senate unanimously passed legislation SF3928 that divests Minnesota’s state pension fund from Russia and Belarus. Notably, this bill also codifies Governor Walz’s Executive Order barring Minnesota from contracting with companies headquartered in Russia. This legislation has had strong bipartisan support and is championed by the Minnesota Ukrainian American Advocacy Committee and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Governor Walz issued Executive Order 22-03 on March 4, condemning the Russian government’s aggression against Ukraine and supporting the people of Ukraine by ending support to Russian entities. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the estimated worth of Minnesota’s state pension fund investments in Russia was approximately $53 million.
“Today we are sending a message that Minnesota stands with Ukraine and condemns the callous actions taken by Putin. Ukraine has been suffering from an unprovoked war for over a month. Minnesotans do not want their pension funds wrapped up in this war machine. Today’s vote demonstrates that we support Ukraine’s people and their right to exist as a free democracy.”
The companion bill passed in the House on a unanimous vote. With the Senate’s subsequent unanimous vote today, the legislation now heads to the Governor’s desk, where it awaits signature before becoming law.
Drought Relief & Animal Disease Outbreak Prevention Bill to Help MN Farmers
The Minnesota Senate this week unanimously passed significant legislation to help Minnesota Farmers devastated by last year’s drought and invest in preparations for future challenges including the developing avian flu outbreak.
The $10 million dollar bill SF3479 appropriates $7 million for grants of up to $5,000 for livestock and specialty crop farmers located in counties that were designated as a primary natural disaster area by the USDA between July 20 and December 31, 2021. It is estimated to cover all or parts of 67 Minnesota counties. Grants are to be awarded on a first-come, first-served, non-competitive basis. Further, the bill includes $1.5 million to the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) to reimburse them for drought relief loans that they have already processed or are currently processing.
Minnesota farmers are facing impending animal disease threats from African Swine Fever (ASF) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Just this week the avian flu was reported in Minnesota flocks. To prevent an agricultural disaster, this package includes $1 million for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at the University of Minnesota to purchase equipment to test for avian influenza, African Swine Fever, chronic wasting disease (CWD), and other animal diseases. The bill also unlocks $426,000 that is currently in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Emergency Account to purchase poultry drinking water tests for HIPAI. Lastly, $500,000 is included for transfer into the account for further animal disease testing and response.
Additional items…
MN Department of Commerce: Minnesota’s Household Energy Assistance crisis benefit increases…more information here: Increase Energy Assistance
Thank you for the recent meetings in St. Paul… Minnesota Forest Industry, Minnesota Telecom Alliance, Packaging Corp. of America, Lutheran Social Services, Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, Hunger Solutions, Community of Minnesota Resorts, Board of Water & Soil Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hospitality Minnesota, Brainerd Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota License Beverage Association, Crow Wing County School Administrators, Clean Water Council, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Howling for Wolves, and Brainerd Blue Ox Business Academy.
Staying in Touch
Please note, with the high volume of emails we are currently receiving, if you have an issue or need immediate assistance, please contact my office by phone at (651) 296-4913. My email: sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
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Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud