The process of assembling a state budget is well underway! Committees have been busy over the past several weeks putting together, vetting, and passing budget proposals for state agencies and the various programs funded with taxpayer dollars. Over the course of the week, several budget bills were passed off the Senate floor.
Higher Education Budget
As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, it is my responsibility to put together a budget that adequately funds Minnesota?Äôs students and institutions within our available budget. On Tuesday, the Senate approved a $3.17 billion higher education budget, representing an increase of $100 million over the previous budget. The budget pays attention to colleges and universities in Greater Minnesota, $45 million more is allocated to the Minnesota State system. A $10 million boost to the need-based Minnesota State Grant program will increase both the number of students eligible for state aid, as well as the amount awarded. The bill includes funding for programs aimed at addressing our state?Äôs shortage of qualified senior and health care workers, along with the teacher shortage felt in many rural communities.
Ditch Mowing Update
The House voted to adopt a one-year moratorium on MnDOT?Äôs enforcement of the ditch mowing regulations. It now must come back to the Senate for a vote before being presented to the governor for his signature or veto. The bill prohibits MnDOT from requiring, issuing, or enforcing permits to mow or bale hay in the rights-of-way, until April 30, 2018. Farmers and landowners have been mowing and baling these ditches for years; the sudden change in policy is costly, inconvenient, and comes without input from those who it affects. I believe that establishing a moratorium will allow policymakers and the other stakeholders to work with MnDOT on finding a common-sense approach to move forward.
Ag Budget
On Thursday, we passed a budget bill that allocates $220 million for the agriculture, rural development, and housing budget. Among the notable provisions of the bill:
?Ä¢ $4.6 million in increased funding for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) program, along with a number of program changes and oversight provisions.
?Ä¢ $600,000 for grants to local communities to combat and eliminate the spread of Palmer amaranth, which is a relatively new ?Äúsuperweed?Äù that has been detected in western Minnesota.
?Ä¢ $1.2 million in new housing and economic development grants to expand workforce housing options and encourage more prospective employees to move to our rural communities.
?Ä¢ $1 million for the Home Ownership Assistance Fund.