releases: https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-and-questionnaire-1052020
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://collinpeterson.house.gov/media/newletter-archive/rep-petersons-newsletter-and-questionnaire-1052020 | Rep. Peterson's Newsletter and Questionnaire 10/5/2020 | 2020-10-06 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Democrat | Senate | MN | Collin Peterson | P000258 | collinpeterson.house.gov | legacy | Sugar Beet Field at Sunset in HALSTAD Dear Friends, The House of Representatives passed 214-207 the HEROES Act 2.0 on Thursday, October 1. I voted no on this bill because small businesses, restaurants, resorts, farmers, and families need relief from the hardships they face due to COVID-19. We need to focus on the issues that are most pressing to our constituents and I will only support a package that is realistic and will help those who need it most. Members of the House Agriculture Committee hosted a briefing on the history and current role of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), an important part of the agriculture safety net. Members had an opportunity to learn more about the way it operates and how it supports agriculture prices and farm revenues. I also participated in the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry hearing where members discussed the challenges and successes of conservation programs in 2020. During the hearing, I expressed the concerns I've heard from producers in Western Minnesota regarding access to conservation programs. The USDA should ensure producers can find the best program for their farm and assist during the sign-up process. I traveled to Frazee last week to visit with Mayor Ken Miosek as the city works to secure a new location for their Post Office. Having access to the United States Postal Service is critical to rural communities. I have been working for years with farmers who have been given the runaround by the Fish and Wildlife Service about conservation easements on their property. To help them, I have introduced the Landowner Easement Rights Act with Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-SD) to limit the term of conservation easements from the Department of Interior to 50 years while also giving current owners of conservation easements the option to renegotiate or buy out, once the easement has been in effect for 50 years. The Fish and Wildlife Service has been totally out of control and my bill would give landowners a chance to get out from underneath the thumb of the federal government. Sincerely, Congressman Collin C. Peterson Minnesota 7th District New Post Office for Frazee Visiting with Mayor Ken Miosek Recently, I traveled to Frazee to visit with Mayor Ken Miosek about the city's efforts to secure a new location for their Post Office. I know how difficult these projects can be but also know how important they are to the community. Frazee has a good plan and I look forward to visiting next summer when it's complete. In the meantime, my staff continue to work with city officials and the United States Postal Service on a strategy for a smooth transition. Chairman's Corner Speaking to members of the House Committee on Agriculture I brought members of the House Committee on Agriculture together for a briefing on the history and current role of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The Committee heard presentations from the Congressional Research Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the CCC and had the opportunity to ask questions. The CCC's primary purpose is to support agricultural prices and farm revenues, and funds have been directed to a wide range of programs over the years. Recently, trade assistance through the Market Facilitation Program and pandemic relief through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program have utilized CCC funds. The CCC is an important part of the agriculture safety net and this briefing gave Members an opportunity to learn more about the way it operates. Speaking at the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry Hearing On Thursday, the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing to discuss the challenges and successes of conservation programs in 2020. The Subcommittee heard from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Kevin Norton, academics and representatives of conservation organizations. I used my time to ask Chief Norton about concerns producers in Western Minnesota have raised regarding access to USDA conservation programs. The Conservation Stewardship Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program are important tools that help farmers conserve natural resources and soil health. The agency should ensure that producers can find the best program for their farm and help them get signed up if they are eligible. Landowner Easement Rights Act I introduced the bipartisan H.R. 8521, the Landowner Easement Rights Act with Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND). This legislation would limit the term of conservation easements from the Department of Interior to 50 years and give current owners of conservation easements an option to renegotiate or buy out once the easement has been in effect for 50 years. It would also give owners of Fish and Wildlife easements that were created without corresponding maps in the 60s and 70s an immediate opportunity to renegotiate or buy out. Dozens of landowners have contacted my office frustrated with the way permanent easements affect their use of land and this bill would give producers a way out while still giving landowners options for long-term conservation agreements. Kevin Paap, Minnesota Farm Bureau President: The Chairman continues to fight for common-sense solutions for Minnesota's farmers and that work continues through his legislation to address ongoing issues with Conservation Easements. Minnesota Farm Bureau appreciates his leadership in finding solutions to help landowners address current issues with previous easements and providing clear guidelines for the future. Minnesota Farm Bureau strongly supports this bill. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Jamie Beyer: On behalf of Minnesota's nearly 28,000 soybean farmers, we applaud Congressman Peterson and Rep. Armstrong for introducing this bipartisan legislation that aims to ease burdens on landowners for future generations. Permanent easements jeopardize future food and fuel production, and farmers need the ability to recover land if and when conditions change. It is our most valuable and limited resource, and the conservation easements end up being a vault that can never be opened. This legislation would be a big step in the right direction for Minnesota family farmers. Click here for more information about the Landowner Easement Rights Act. Service Academy Night Virtual Service Academy Night Service Academy Coordinator, Meg Louwagie, hosted a Virtual Service Academy Night on Thursday. There were 47 participants including Representatives from the United States Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Military Academy as well as Air Force Academy ROTC and the United States Coast Guard Academy. Applications for Service Academy nominations are due October 30, 2020. Please visit the Academy Application Packet on my website for more information and to apply. If you have any questions, please contact Meg.Louwagie@mail.house.gov. Minnesota Military & Veteran Exchange The Twin Cities Military and Veteran Exchange Videoconference My staff aide Meg Louwagie participated in the Minnesota Military & Veteran Exchange (MNME) Zoom meeting to discuss Veteran issues and the Experience 2020 event that is a rallying event for all MN Military-Connected currently serving, prior service, Veterans, families, caregivers, and supporters. Free sessions include healthcare, Veterans benefits, economic stability, social connection, and more. Experience 2020 will be held virtually on October 29, 2020, from 9:30 am 5:00 pm. If you are interested in attending, please register here. Celebrating the Retirement of Wilfred Roos It has been seven years since the University of Minnesota initiated the pairing of German cities with Warren, Morris, Duluth, Rochester and Elk River for collaboration on environmental stewardship. Last week, the Mayors and City Administrators of the Minnesota cities joined a Zoom conference celebrating the retirement of Mayor Wilfred Roos of Saerbeck, Germany. Saerbeck is a midsized town (population 7,200) in northwest Germany known for its enthusiastic approach to environmental sustainability. This includes the school with its solar system on the roof, to city-owned wind turbines and solar panels on the sides of former WWII German bunkers. They also generate gas from nearby farm silage piles and garbage to operate electric generators. The Mayors of Rochester, Duluth, Morris, along with City Administrators of Warren and Morris gave Mayor Roos glowing compliments for his environmental work and his collaboration over the last few years. Questionnaire Results In last week's questionnaire, I asked whether you thought it is the responsibility of the states or the federal government to control the cross border spread of infectious diseases like the Coronavirus, here is what you said: I also put your Congressional trivia skills to the test when I asked how many Representatives or Senators from Minnesota have Chaired the House or Senate Committees on Agriculture since Minnesota became a state in 1858. Here is what you said: The correct answer is one. I am proud to serve as the only Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee from Minnesota and I will continue to fight for farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture industry. COVID-19 Updates & Resources Courtesy of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Just like any other year, the Influenza (Flu) with be around this fall and winter but this year both the flu and COVID-19 will be circulating. You can protect yourself and others by getting a flu vaccine. To prevent the spread of the flu and COVID-19, stay home if you feel sick, clean frequently touched surfaces, wear a mask, cover your cough, and maintain six feet distance from others. For the most up to date information regarding COVID-19, visit: MDH Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 Testing Recommendations for Long-term Care Facilities (PDF). COVID-19 Community Testing The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will be providing safe and free COVID-19 testing at the Willmar Armory this week. For more information or to sign up for an appointment, visit the MDH COVID-19 Community Testing. Willmar Armory 614 Highway 71 Service Road Willmar, MN 56201 - Tuesday, October 6, 12 - 6 p.m. - Wednesday, October 7, 12 - 6 p.m. - Thursday, October 8, 12 - 6 p.m. Blood Donations Needed Courtesy of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Blood donations have been low due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and social distancing measures. Blood banks are still in need of donations and are asking healthy people to donate. To prevent the spread, donation centers are taking additional measures like spacing out donation beds and appointments. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the American Red Cross: Blood Services or Memorial Blood Centers: Coronavirus and Blood Donations. Newsstand Minnesota Board on Aging Grant Funds Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association Helpline The Minnesota Board on Aging awarded grant funds to twelve communities in Minnesota. Bemidji $114,348, Park Rapids $49,569, and Wadena $49,257 received funding for increased awareness of dementia, to connect caregivers and to identify evidence-based staff training. The grant-funded projects will support people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The Board on Aging estimates a nearly 25% increase in diagnoses by 2025. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, said Susan Mezzenga, Chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging. Timely diagnoses using appropriate tools is key to treatment and support. An estimated 97,000 Minnesotans over age 65 have Alzheimer's disease. That number is projected to increase by 24% to 120,000 by 2025. Alzheimer's poses an array of challenges-emotional, medical, financial and social - to family members of those with the disease. Seventy percent of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are cared for in their homes; 75% of that care is given by family, friends and neighbors, according to the U. S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment. As our society ages and our senior population grows, we need to invest in healthcare and medical research for our elders. Questions about the Grant Awards can be directed to the Minnesota Board on Aging, 651-431-4395 Alzheimer's Association Helpline, 800-272-3900 Winter Farmers' Market Cost-Share Program Minnesota farmers' markets who are looking to ensure vendors and customers comply with social distancing and sanitary guidelines during the upcoming winter market season are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Safe at the Farmers' Market Cost-Share program. Approximately $10,000 will be available in total. Eligible markets may be reimbursed up to $300 for the purchase of equipment that will help markets comply with the Guidance for Minnesota Farmers Markets and Vendors. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, applications are being accepted through December 15, 2020 or until all funds have been awarded. For more information and to apply online, visit MDA's Safe at the Winter Farmers' Market Cost-Share web page. Manufacturing Week Governor Tim Walz proclaimed October 1-7th as Manufacturing Week. Manufacturing plays a large role in Minnesota's economy. Last year, the manufacturing industry added $52.7 billion to the state's economy making it the second-largest industry in Minnesota. The industry also employs nearly 324,000 jobs, accounting for 13% of all private-sector jobs statewide. Some counties in the Seventh Congressional District, like Roseau county, manufacturing makes up almost 60% of their total employment. Last year, 190 businesses participated in Manufacturing Week. Learn how you can participate in Manufacturing Week here. Find out more about this year's tours on theStatewide Tour of Manufacturing website. Employers can learn abouttraining opportunitiesthroughCareerForceand can visit DEED'sManufacturing Week web sectionfor help with planning events. VA Digitization of Archived Vietnam-era Deck Logs With help from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently digitized declassified deck logs in order to process benefit claims faster for eligible Vietnam Veterans. To establish presumption to herbicide exposure for disability benefits, deck logs from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard contain useful information to validate claims from Blue Water Navy Veterans who may have served in offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam. VA digital images of deck logs are available in the National Archives Catalog. Veterans, dependents and surviving spouses may contact approved Veterans Service Organizations for assistance in filing a claim. Learn more about Agent Orange or call 800-827-1000 for more information. EIP Deadline Reminder The deadline to file for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is approaching quickly. If you don't normally file taxes, you may be eligible for an EIP. Individuals who are low-income workers, experiencing homelessness, independent students, or do not have a bank account are encouraged to file applications for an EIP. If you have a dependent under 17 and didn't receive a $500 EIP earlier this year, use the Non-Filer tool on the IRS website by September 30 to provide information on your qualifying child. For adult non-filers, the deadline to file and claim an EIP is October 15. For more information visit, IRS.gov/coronavirus or IRS.gov/eipnonfiler. Congressional App Challenge There are two weeks left to apply for the Congressional App Challenge. This nationwide challenge is open to middle and high school students in Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to learn coding while inspiring them to pursue careers in technology and computer science. I am a member of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) caucus, which is why I am proud to host this competition and look forward to seeing the entries from students throughout Minnesota's Seventh District. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 19, 2020. To find more information or to submit your app, visit: http://www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us This Week in History Photo courtesy ofKijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation This week in history, on October 10, 2016, Governor Mark Dayton signed a proclamation declaring this date to be the first state-wide Indigenous Peoples' Day, celebrated in place of Columbus Day. This year, Indigenous People's Day will take place on Monday, October 12th. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |