Friends and neighbors,
Back in 1997 I was an employee at the Minnesota Department of Revenue. I worked a lot on campaign finance issues, and even then our processes were cumbersome and outdated. I remember thinking that we had to update our system to reflect the new technological landscape. One of my ideas was to modernize the state’s Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program by moving it online. I have been working on the idea ever since.
That effort to modernize Minnesota’s Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program is continuing this year, and I am a proud cosponsor. The Senate’s Elections Committee reviewed the bill on Tuesday.
The bill is fairly simple: It would establish an online system for contributors under Minnesota’s PCR program to receive electronic receipts with validation numbers and submit refund claims to the Department of Revenue multiple times until reaching the $75 annual cap. It streamlines the current paper-based process and promotes greater grassroots involvement by making it easier for small donors to support their preferred candidates.
This bill will finally bring the PCR program into the digital age. It will improve efficiency and accountability, increase public participation in our process, and save some money.
Livestock Investment Grant
Applications for the Agriculture, Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant are now open. The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant encourages long-term industry development for Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers by helping them improve, update, and modernize their livestock operation infrastructure and equipment.
Minnesota livestock farmers may apply. Applicants must:
- Be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota.
- Be a resident of the state of Minnesota or be a business entity authorized to farm in Minnesota.
- Hold an appropriate feedlot registration when applicable.
- Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota: No back taxes owed, no defaults on Minnesota state-backed financing for the last seven years, acceptable performance on past MDA grants, compliant with current state regulations or this project will support the organization becoming compliant.
Also of note: in the 2022 Agriculture and Broadband Supplemental Omnibus, the statute for the Livestock Investment Grant was amended to eliminate the lifetime maximum of $50,000 that applied at individual and entity levels. Instead, the current statute requires that Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) give preference to applicants who have not previously received a grant, but allows anyone meeting program eligibility to apply. As such, all principal operators may apply for funds this round, regardless of whether they have received a grant in the past or not.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
More information, including the link to apply, is here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-livestock-investment-grant
Suicide Prevention Skills for Rural Ministry Trainings
MDA is partnering with three other state agencies and organizations to offer free virtual suicide prevention trainings for rural faith leaders in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Clergy and lay leaders who serve congregations of all faiths and denominations are welcome.
The trainings will teach faith leaders how to recognize and engage with someone who is having suicidal thoughts, connect that person to help, and support family and community members who have been affected by suicide.
The trainings will be offered during three different sessions starting April 16, April 18, and September 17. Interested participants must enroll for their preferred cohort by April 5, 2024.
The MDA press release about the trainings is here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/upcoming-trainings-offer-suicide-prevention-skills-rural-clergy
The sign-up for interested clergy is here: www.mda.state.mn.us/clergytraining
I urge farmers, small business owner, and community outreach organizations to take a look at the State of Minnesota website to see what grants are available to assist in your endeavors. While the availability is limited, it is out there! Let’s continue to work together to ensure our community prospers.
CONTACT ME
I love hearing your feedback. It helps me serve you to the best of my ability. If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.mark.koran@senate.mn or 651-296-5419.
And you can always get the latest news from St. Paul on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MarkKoranforSenate.
It is a privilege to serve you!