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*May 10, 2024*






Legislative Update

With six days left in the legislative session, there is much work to be done. We’ve continued with long nights to ensure the priorities of Minnesotans are being addressed. We celebrated National Teachers and National Nurses Week at the capitol. Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring our children are successful in the classroom. Our nurses work long hours keeping patients safe and healthy. Thank you for all you do.

Agriculture Omnibus Bill

Minnesota is a powerhouse in agriculture. Potential legislation must be agricultural-friendly. This week, on the House floor, the Agriculture omnibus bill [ [link removed] ] was heard. Strangely, the bills from the Commerce Committee and Energy committee were added to make this a mega omnibus bill.

In 2008, the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) was created to advance soil fertility research, technology development, and education. The funding for the program is paid for by farmers who use fertilizer. The current fee is 40 cents per ton of fertilizer sold. The program is dependent upon previous year’s sales and typically awards over $1M for research and outreach programs.

The plan is to divert these funds beginning June 30, 2025, to a private well drinking-water assistance account. The change in the use of this fund is due to the concerns from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the issue of reducing nitrate contamination in southeastern MN. There are other programs that could be used to address water quality. Hopefully, during the conference committee, the original intent of AFREC will be restored.

Update on the New Flag and Seal Design

Residents continue to make their voices heard on the changes to our state flag and seal. Last year a 13-member panel made the decision on behalf of 5.5 million Minnesotans to determine what represents our state. It is only right to allow citizens to be able to vote on this important symbol. Requests were made to have a hearing on bills introduced this year to do just that. No hearings were granted. Amendments were made during committee meetings and on the house floor. All amendments were denied by the majority party. Having exhausted all possible options, the new state flag and seal will begin their commission Saturday






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Current Flag




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New Flag






Religious Freedom Restored in Minnesota

A significant stride in restoring religious freedom, which Minnesota Democrats had revoked from faith-based organizations last year, occurred this week.

The House passed a modified version of legislation, amending the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) to reinstate protections for religious entities against discrimination claims. The bill unanimously passed in both the House and the Senate.

Prior to the 2023 legislative session, gender identity was included (or subsumed) within the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) definition of sexual orientation, the still-existing religious exemption for sexual orientation covered gender identity claims as well. When a new, separate definition of gender identity was created last year, there was no corresponding religious exemption added. The religious exemption ensures religious organizations and faith-based schools can, among other things, hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values. This change caused alarm among Minnesota’s faith community. The change this week is a win for religious freedom! Thank you to everyone who worked to make this change happen.

Fishing Opener

Our great Minnesota fishing season begins this weekend! Minnesota offers some of the best freshwater fishing opportunities in the entire country. Over 500,000 anglers will hit the lakes and rivers this weekend looking to catch some famous Minnesota walleye, northern pike, trout, or bass. I hope you can get out, enjoy our great outdoors and catch some fish!

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Mother’s Day

A very happy Mother's Day to everyone in our district. Mothers are the nurturing heartbeats of our families, offering unwavering love and support. Their endless dedication and strength inspire us to do our best every day. Be sure to do something nice with your mom this weekend. Happy Mother’s Day!

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Please Contact Me

It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!

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/RepBobbieHarder





211 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.4229







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