Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled his budget proposal on Tuesday. The most controversial part was a recommendation to increase the state gas tax 20-cents a gallon to pay infrastructure State Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says that’s the best way to pay for that needed upkeep.
He says the Ag Department’s budget will include some positives for farmers.
Peterson says there is also funding to battle palmer amaranth, Bovine TB and African Swine Fever. Plus, there is money for rural mental health. He says under the Governor’s overall budget plan farmers could deduct up to $1 million of qualifying equipment purchases under Section 179 expensing.
Petersen says the Governor is also calling for a $50 credit to go to farmers who’ve installed buffers and wants to allow farmers to enroll in One Care as part of the MinnCare health insurance program.
