Bottom line: Minnesota is an expensive place to live and an expensive place to do business. The district I represent borders both North and South Dakota, and we see firsthand what Minnesota policies passed can do to businesses and families. Until we make our state business-friendly again, we will continue to see families and businesses move to other states. If you are able, please read my recent editorial in the Star Tribune that talks about why we need to make Minnesota business-friendly again.

As a friendly reminder: The Center of the American Experiment is hosting three events in our area and I will be attending all three! This informative program will unpack the 2023 legislative nosedive and offer common-sense solutions for the inevitable moment when citizens ask how we can climb back to sanity. Join me in Moorhead, Fergus Falls, and Alexandria for these events. Admission is just $10. 

Applications for the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program will open by August 1 and close September 15, 2023.  The Soil Health Financial Assistance Grant provides a cost-share for the purchase and retrofit of soil health equipment.  Grant awards will provide up to a 50% cost-share, with a minimum award of $500 and a maximum award of $50,000. Individual producers, producer groups, and local government units (including cities, towns, counties, soil and water conservation districts, tribal nations, and joint powers boards) are eligible for grants. A local government unit that receives a grant for equipment purchases must make those purchases available for use by the public.  These grants are particularly helpful in a time of higher interest rates, which make financing new agricultural equipment more difficult for farmers.  For further information visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/soil-health-grant

Additionally, The National Taxpayers Union recently applauded legislation I authored and passed to repeal the minimum markup on gasoline in Minnesota. Robust academic literature demonstrates that the main outcome of minimum markup laws is higher gasoline prices for consumers. By repealing this law, we are protecting consumers and lowering the cost of gas. This article along with an article from the American Experiment showcase how this repeal will help Minnesotans.

With Gratitude,

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9