This was a big week on the Senate floor. We passed some major omnibus bills, including Agriculture, State and Local Government, Judiciary and Public Safety, Veterans, Health and Human Services, Elections, and Human Services. 

You’ve heard me talk about my bill requiring clear labeling for cell-grown food products. I’m glad to report it was included in the Agriculture omnibus, a win for consumer transparency here in Minnesota. 

I also had a bill included in the Elections omnibus that focuses on transparency and eliminating conflicts of interests for candidates and elected officials. It requires more detailed financial disclosures on stock trades and digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These markets are now worth trillions of dollars and still lightly regulated, so the public deserves to know if their elected officials have potential conflicts of interest or are personally profiting from legislation they help write. 

This week I was also proud to testify alongside officials from Mapleton in the Transportation Committee, advocating for funding for local road improvements and new water and sanitary sewer infrastructure. Thank you to City Administrator Sarah Moore for joining. 

Be sure to check out the fraud story from KARE 11 below. It’s another example of why, with just three weeks left in session, we need to pass Republican proposals to crack down on fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. 

Have a great weekend! 

Thanks for reading,
Rich 

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My bill for consumer transparency with cell-grown food labeling passes Senate 

Originally introduced as Senate File 239, it also requires restaurants to clearly identify any menu items made with cell-cultured ingredients. 

This is common-sense consumer protection. People deserve to know what they’re eating and feeding their families. This bill makes sure consumers can clearly distinguish between products raised on a farm and those manufactured in a lab. 

Last month, Hannah Bernhardt, who runs Medicine Creek Farm in Finlayson and serves as President of the Minnesota Farmers Union, Pine County Chapter, testified in support of the bill in the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee. 

“My business selling beef, lamb, and pork relies on direct relationships with my customers. I take great effort in being transparent and accountable in the way I raise my livestock,” said Bernhardt. “To ensure a level playing field, I think we should strive for that transparency across our agricultural markets. Clear, informative labeling is the least we can do to provide that to customers.” 

Hunter Pederson of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation also voiced his support for the bill at the hearing. 

“We support truthful, transparent labeling of lab-grown products so that consumers can make informed decisions,” said Pederson. “Our farmers and ranchers work diligently everyday raising and producing high-quality, nutritious food for our communities. Livestock producers don’t fear competition. But we do need to have a level playing field for them.” 

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The fraud crisis is a cancer on Minnesota. It’s hurting our businesses and the most vulnerable people in our state. This Kare 11 report shows exactly why we need to pass Republican proposals to get this under control. 

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Cleveland FFA members win at the MN State FFA Convention 

Kayla Hoffmann received 3rd in the state for her Agricultural Education Proficiency, and Marshall Heldberg received 1st for his Sheep Production Proficiency. Marshall will be advancing forward as he competes at the National FFA Convention next fall. Dacota Lotspeich and Vanessa Wondra were also in attendance as the chapter's State Delegates this year.  

They met with members from other chapters around the state and discussed ongoing issues with MN State FFA administration.  

While at the convention, Kayla Hoffmann and Vanessa Wondra had the opportunity to do a radio interview and talk about their experiences with FFA and the State Convention. 

Playbacks of the Cleveland FFA interviews will air on April 27th.Three playbacks will be airing at 10:40, 1:40, and 3:40 

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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

For residents who want to safely dispose of medications outside of this biannual event, MyOldMeds offers a free, year-round locator that connects people to 605 secure disposal sites across Minnesota. The easy-to-use locator helps quickly find nearby drop-off locations just by entering their zip code. The site also includes a Minnesota resource page with guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management. 

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MN Fraud Files

Your one-stop resource for everything related to state government fraud in Minnesota 

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Be sure to follow me on Facebook for more frequent updates throughout the session.  

I always appreciate hearing from constituents. It helps me do my job better and stay focused on the issues that matter most to you.  

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, feel free to reach out. You can email at sen.rich.draheim@mnsenate.gov, and my legislative assistant, Henry Rosckes, is available at henry.rosckes@mnsenate.gov.   

Thanks for reading.  

Rich Draheim
Minnesota Senate, District 22