Policy Articles
Gas Tax Increase Included in Transportation Bill
Published May 22, 2023
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is indicating he will sign the transportation bill passed by both chambers of the Legislature this weekend. The bill passed with a 69-61 margin in the Senate and a 34-32 margin in the House. The bill…Negotiations Continue Over Debt Limit
Published May 22, 2023
President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are scheduled to meet today for negotiations on the debt ceiling. McCarthy spoke with Biden Sunday while the President was flying home from the G-7 Summit in Japan. McCarthy offered few details,…Ag Energy Coalition Opposes Budget Cuts
Published May 19, 2023
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture has proposed budget cuts for clean energy programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program and the new Empowering Rural America and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. “This puts a lot of really critical…A Mixed Review for Environment Bill
Published May 19, 2023
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation has mixed feelings about the final version of the environment, natural resources, climate, and energy bill. “We are happy about the $21 million over the biennium for soil health practices and that the open season…Russia Adopts Strategic Decision
Published May 19, 2023
John Stewart and Associates Principal Kevin Clausen said Russia’s short extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a strategic decision to strain efficiency and productivity for participants in that supply chain. “It appears they’re trying to cause choke points…MFU to Provide Legislative Feedback
Published May 19, 2023
After the Minnesota legislative session ends, the Minnesota Farmers Union will consult with its membership. "The Legislature passes the approved funding and instructions for agencies, but then those agencies have to create programs around it," said government relations director Stu…Responding to the Threat of Foreign Animal Disease
Published May 19, 2023
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. The DeSmet, South Dakota cattle producer concentrated on managing animal health risks. “The U.S. must be prepared to deal with disasters like…MFU Minute
Published May 18, 2023
In this week's Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, Minnesota Farmers Union Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey highlights the end of the Minnesota legislative session.Paving the Way for Corn Ethanol
Published May 18, 2023
New legislation was introduced that would recognize the progress corn ethanol has made. New legislation would require that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency use more a modern and accurate model to assess the carbon reductions from biofuels under the Renewable…