With grassroots input from its farmer-membership, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) has set priorities for the 2011 legislative session.
"This legislative session will be about the state's budget shortfalls and how we improve the economy and create jobs," said Doug Peterson, MFU President. "MFU will be at the table when proposed cuts are being discussed to address the over $6 billion budget deficit, and will work with the Dayton Administration and legislators on addressing property tax concerns, promoting local foods, and energy legislation, and ensuring that the needs of rural Minnesotans and the farming sector are addressed."
Agriculture makes up a very small part of the state's budget, yet somewhere between 20-30 percent of the jobs and wealth in Minnesota are agriculture-related, Peterson said. MFU will work to ensure sound funding for food safety, energy, education, livestock, sustainable and organic programs, he added.
These are just some of the issues MFU will be working on in the 2011 legislative session. Also, these are the issues MFU members will be talking to legislators about when they head to the state Capitol on Thursday, February 8, 2011, for their annual lobby day. For more information, go to www.mfu.org .
Minnesota Farmers Union ( www.mfu.org ) is a nonprofit membership-based organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers, as well as rural communities.
