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Burkel









Hello from the State Capitol,

 

April is the month of committee deadlines, which means the number of bills being heard in committees has skyrocketed. Today is the last day a policy bill can be approved in committee and move forward in either the House or Senate this session. Next Friday represents the day most finance bills must be approved by a committee, which is important as this is a budget-setting year.

 

*HOUSE AGREES TO BUDGET FRAMEWORK*

Minnesota has a $6 billion budget deficit on the horizon, which is why it was noteworthy that House leaders agreed to a budget framework recently that begins to address this crisis.

 

Last session a Democrat legislative majority and Governor Walz agreed to spend an $18 billion surplus, raise taxes by $10 billion, and grow government by 40%. Because our state economists have found that expected revenues will not keep up with this level of projected spending, Minnesota is projected to see a $6 billion deficit in the next budget cycle.

 

The compromise House budget framework reduces state spending by $3.9 billion when compared to the 2024-25 budget and is $1.159 billion below the 2026-27 budget base. For the 2028-2029 projected budget, more than $2.6 billion in spending would be eliminated. Worth noting: it does not include any tax increases.

 

The Minnesota Senate is also putting together its own budget framework. The House and Senate must approve a budget before session ends in mid-May.

 

Burkel

*DEPREDATION LEGISLATION DEBATED*

On Tuesday, I presented HF601 in the House Ways and Means Committee. This bill would appropriate $250,000 in the fiscal year 2025 to compensate farmers for crop or fence damage caused by elk and livestock killed or crippled by wolves. The appropriation sets aside designated amounts for specific purposes. Any unspent money will roll over to fiscal year 2026. 

 

Under the wolf depredation program, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) compensates livestock owners whose livestock were killed or crippled by a wolf. Compensation payments are calculated as fair market value as determined by the MDA in consultation with a university extension agent. Livestock owners’ ability to receive compensation under this section is capped at $20,000.

 

Under the elk depredation program, the MDA compensates landowners whose crops or fence are damaged by elk. An approved agent authorized by the MDA investigates and estimates the value of damage. Landowners’ ability to receive compensation under this section is also capped at $20,000. 

 

This past year, depredation claims have exceeded funding in both accounts and currently MDA is unable to settle those current claims.  Farmers and livestock producers in northwest Minnesota have limited management options with wolves still listed federally and the current DNR Elk Management Plan calling for growth in the Kittson Central herd.  HF601 is an appropriation for fiscal year 2025, addressing the issue that current funding for depredation has been depleted.

 

*LOCAL VISITORS*

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sharon Millner, the executive director at Northwest Community Action, which serves northwest Minnesota.

 


Millner

 

NWCA provides family-oriented programs that offer services to families, including information in areas such as education, health, mental health, nutrition, disabilities, parent involvement, and family services.

 

I also appreciated the chance to visit with Miranda Solem, a constituent from Thief River Falls. Her family cares for their 14-year-old son, who has the rare disease Hemophilia. 

 

Miranda

 

The rare disease community hosted an advocacy day this past Wednesday, and we discussed ways Minnesota can improve the lives of people living with rare diseases.  Thank you for making the trip down to St. Paul, Miranda!






Please Contact Me

My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family.

I am here to serve you!

John Burkel









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2584 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.9635







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