Although it proved to be the longest legislative session in Minnesota history, the work recently completed at the state Capitol was successful and beneficial to all Minnesotans, particularly those who live in rural parts of the state.

Friday, June 02, 2000

Although it proved to be the longest legislative session in Minnesota history, the work recently completed at the state Capitol was successful and beneficial to all Minnesotans, particularly those who live in rural parts of the state.

Transportation, agriculture-rural economic development and the environment all were important issues that were addressed this session. All were part of a balanced approach that we outlined early in the session and were able to deliver on as we worked our way through the process the past few months. It took time, but it was worth the effort as we were able to reap the benefits.

The final Tax Bill provided $18.3 million in targeted tax relief to Minnesota farmers. This year, the aid is targeted to farmers operating in 31 counties declared federal disaster areas or in counties contiguous to those declared 1999 federal disaster areas in Minnesota. The bill provides $4-per-acre payments to eligible farmers in those 31 Minnesota counties and farmers must operate at least 40 acres to qualify for the payments. Payments are capped at $5,600.

Permanent property tax changes concentrated in the agricultural class. The total credit amount is $11.6 million a year that will benefit farmers all across the state.

Ethanol production in Minnesota is a wise investment and an additional $25 million was earmarked for that purpose. The Exol plant in Glenville will benefit with an infusion of $400,000 additional money per year. Minnesota has the highest rate of ethanol production in the United States, with the product coming from cooperatives owned by more than 7,000 farm families.

Rural Minnesota also fared well under a strategic transportation funding package of $596 million.

Rural benefits include $177 million for outstate interregional corridors, $39 million for local bridge replacement and repair and $872,000 for Greater Minnesota local transit services.

Environmental programs will get a boost after action taken this session as well.

A modest increase in the hunting and fishing license translates into an additional $6 million for fish and wildlife programs for the Department of Natural Resources also.

An additional $25 million from the sales tax on lottery tickets is now dedicated to outdoor programs, including fish and wildlife management, state parks and trails, local trails and the state’s zoos.

And the Legislature directed that the first priority for new state parks funding is to restore camping at parks where the camping season has been restricted because of budget shortfalls.

I was a co-author of the balanced feedlot bill that raises environmental standards for feedlot management and still allows Minnesota’s farm families to do their jobs successfully. Unlike last year, the governor signed this bill earlier in the session.

The state also provided $18 million in wastewater infrastructure funds to help rural communities upgrade their wastewater treatment plants. Those grants are essential for the quality of life and for future development.

Although legislation passed was modest, important strides were made to help low-income seniors and the disabled get the prescription drugs they need.

Fortunately, we were able to expand the asset limits on the Senior Drug Program up to $10,000 for an individual and $18,000 for a married couple. The program also was expanded to serve very low-income disabled people who earn no more than the federal poverty level.

Legislation also will make changes in the Prepaid Medical Assistance Program and boost payments to providers in rural areas.

With an unbelievably robust economy, the short session was an opportune time to invest in needs and adds an extra boost to the biennial two-year budget which we finished last and which went into effect in July 1999.

State Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) represents District 27