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Legislative Update: MCGA’s day at the capitol, Nitrogen Rule movement and more

MN Capitol Reading Time: 3 minutes

It is hard to believe we are wrapping up the fourth week of the Minnesota Legislative Session and action in St. Paul has really heated up. Next week, March 22, is the first committee deadline, which are set to narrow the list of bills to be considered by the legislature during the session.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) had a busy week advocating on behalf of our members. We had our annual day at the capitol and provided testimony before the House Agriculture Policy committee on the proposed nitrogen fertilizer rule from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. There was also some action on a few other MCGA priorities. But first, a wrap-up on our day at the capitol.

MCGA Day at the Capitol

House Speaker Kurt Daudt met with grower leaders on Wednesday.

Minnesota Corn grower leaders gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday to meet with more than 25 legislators for its annual day at the capitol. Like in past years, it was a great opportunity to meet with legislative leadership, committee leadership and individual legislators from both parties to communicate our policy priorities, build relationships and advocate for issues most important to the state’s growers.

Legislative priorities that were discussed this year included advocating for federal tax conformity on section 179 – capital equipment expensing and depreciation – and property tax relief for ag lands that have been removed from production in order to comply with Minnesota’s Buffer Law. In addition, MCGA leaders also advocated for the immediate release of the draft Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule and shared with legislators the investments Minnesota Corn has made in the last few years on research and education efforts to improve nitrogen use efficiency.

Overall, it was a day of productive conversation that provided legislators with needed background on MCGA policy priorities as they move through the legislative session. You can see additional pictures from the visit here. 

Minnesota Corn grower leaders met with MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson as part of its Capitol visit.

Proposed Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule

On Thursday, the House Agriculture Policy committee heard an update from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the proposed Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule. MCGA President Kirby Hettver provided testimony to the committee on behalf of Minnesota’s corn farmers. MCGA testimony outlined our concerns with the draft proposal from last summer and our concerns with the current process. In addition, President Hettver also highlighted Minnesota Corn’s investments in nitrogen management and farmer-led efforts on increasing nitrogen use efficiency. Session Daily has a nice article recapping the hearing and a video of the testimony.

Coinciding with MCGA day at the capitol and committee testimony, MCGA submitted a letter to Governor Dayton requesting immediate release of the rule and issued a call to action to our members to contact Governor Dayton. You can read more about the letter and call to action here.

Hettver testified in front of the House Ag Policy committee during a hearing on the Nitrogen Rule.

Taxes

On Wednesday, the House Taxes committee heard HF 3569 authored by Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) conforming Section 179 farm machinery expensing to provisions in the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The proposal will be considered as the committee puts together their comprehensive tax bill later in the session.

Governor Dayton also announced his supplemental budget, including tax provisions, earlier today. At first glance, the proposal includes full federal conformity of Section 179 equipment expensing and bonus depreciation. This is a top tax priority for agriculture and business groups. We will be analyzing the proposal more closely and will include details in a future update.

Next week, MCGA leaders head to D.C. for a fly-in on federal issues. Look for a federal issues focused update next week and we will be sure to keep you updated advancement of MCGA policy priorities at the Minnesota State Capitol.

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