Omnibus Agriculture, Environment Bills Head to Conference Committee

The Senate advanced two omnibus spending bills Tuesday, April 23, which marked the beginning of their debate on state spending and taxation measures.

One of the bills, SF 2314, sponsored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen funds environment and natural resource programs and efforts. According to Ingebrigtsen, the measure supports clean water efforts, creates a research center on chronic wasting disease, and allows two-line fishing in Minnesota lakes. To fish the additional line, anglers would pay $5 dollars, and the money would be directed to improve the stocking of walleye. The bill also provides funding for Minnesota parks to ensure that all 87 parks remain open. It also increases funding to combat the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species by improving detection efforts.

A considerable amount of Senate floor debate on the issue focused on an amendment offered by Senator Gregory Clausen, DFL-Apple Valley, to remove free holiday admission to the Minnesota Zoo on some holidays. Clausen said that the decision to open the zoo gates would best be a decision for the zoo administrators. Senator Justin Eichorn, R-Hibbing, originally sponsored the provision, and argued that the Minnesota Zoo has become too expensive for some families and should be available free on dates because it receives state support.

The omnibus agriculture bill, SF 2226, sponsored by Senator Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, promotes modernization of farm technologies, funds soybean research and marketing, expands rural broadband, encourages modular housing construction and funds mental health services for Minnesota farmers and their families.

The bills will be reconciled with the House funding proposals in conference committee.