The Minnesota House is expected to be tied 67-67 when the session convenes in January, an even split between Republicans and Democrats. Minnesota Farm Bureau Vice President Carolyn Olson says this could be an opportunity. “I’ve had the opportunity already to hear a few of our elected officials speak at other events and I hope that the spirit of cooperation they’re expressing now carries through,” said Carolyn Olson, vice president, Minnesota Farmers Union. “With a tied Legislature, telling our stories is critical, those are opportunities to really make a big difference.” The work now begins to reach new lawmakers. “We have 22 brand new representatives in the House and 22 new opportunities to build relationships.” The Minnesota Farm Bureau identified five priority areas for the upcoming legislative session. That list includes support for generational farming, practical and scientific conservation practices, ag research, rural prosperity and emergency animal preparedness.
