Several priorities for Minnesota Farmers Union members were contained in legislation passed by State Lawmakers this session. MFU Government Relations Director Stu Lourey says getting biofuels infrastructure approved along with funding for expanding smaller meatpacking facilities and reauthorizing the Farmer Lender Mediation program were all legislative wins.

He says one of the most important pieces of legislation that passed was for $70 million dollars for broadband internet that has become essential for farmers, ranchers and businesses.

Lourey says its fortunate lawmakers reauthorized the Farmer Lender Mediation program, especially considering all the economic challenges farmers and ranchers have already faced along with the impacts of this year’s drought.

Lourey says it was positive Minnesota’s divided legislature was able to come together to get these needed bills approved.