Minnesota Farmers Union

St. Paul (March 1, 2010) - Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members from all around the state recently went to the State Capitol to discuss Farmers Union policy and the 2010 legislative session with legislators.  Members also met with Attorney General Lori Swanson, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, and attended a House hearing on Governor Pawlenty's recommended budget for the Department of Agriculture.

"The opportunity for our members to speak directly to those who represent them in the State Legislature is so important because it gives the legislator a chance to hear directly from the constituents that are impacted by the votes they make," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.  "Minnesota Farmers Union is based on three principles - education, legislation and cooperation and our lobby days are an example of all three of those principles at work as we educate the legislators with what is happening to rural Minnesota, impacting the way they vote on legislation and promoting cooperation in order to get things done for the betterment of everyone.  It is democracy at its finest."

There were many issues discussed while at the Capitol, and they include: limiting cuts to the state agriculture budget; opposing changing the trigger for farmer-lender mediation from the $5,000 threshold; support for legislation that would say wind power leases terminate after 7 years if a project is not under development; support of the Minnesota Health Plan which would provide comprehensive health care for all residents of Minnesota; support for holding the line on property taxes and working to address issues with the Green Acres program; support for allowing counties to place a bounty on coyotes; support legislation that would conform Minnesota tax law to section 179 of the federal tax code which deals with "accelerated" depreciation (which only allows $25,000 for accelerated depreciation where you might want to take the whole item in one year instead of spreading it out, currently the federal government allows for $108,000); and strongly supports and urges legislators to use existing corridors and rail lines when considering upgrades for high-speed passenger rail lines.