ST. PAUL — Both Sen. Gary Dahm, R-Redwood Falls, and Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, touted “significant” Minnesota Legislature developments this past week.

Dahms reported the Senate Agriculture Committee moved forward two proposals to help Minnesota farmers and rural development. Dahms is vice-chair of the agriculture committee.

The first bill passed the committee on Monday and will direct approximately $110 million of federal money to improve Minnesota broadband. The second bill, passed Wednesday, will provide $10 million in drought assistance relief to Minnesota farmers.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure our economy in Greater Minnesota can survive and prosper into the future,” Dahms said in his press release. “Reliable broadband and drought relief for our farmers are top priorities of mine. 

To take advantage of federal money, Dahms said the broadband bill directs that the money be used by Dec. 31, 2026. The legislation allows the Department of Employment and Economic Development to comply with federal regulations.

“It is imperative we in Greater Minnesota don’t get left behind the rest of the world,” Dahms said. “Reliable internet is a necessity these days for everyone. These broadband dollars will go a long way to making sure every Minnesotan has the connectivity they need.” 

The drought relief bill, SF 3479, appropriates $6.5 million for grants of up to $5,000 for livestock and specialty crop farmers located in counties that were designated as a primary natural disaster area by the USDA between July 20 and Dec. 31, 2021. Grants are to be awarded on a first-come, first-served, non-competitive basis. The bill includes $1.5 million to the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) to reimburse them for drought relief loans that they have already processed or are currently processing. 

“Our farmers work extremely hard to make a living,” Dahms said. “This relief for our livestock and specialty crop farmers will help give them the support they need in the wake of last year’s drought and prepare us for future challenges. We can never take our farmers for granted.”

Meanwhile, Swedzinski said House Republicans issued a package of bills aimed at improving public safety.

In his press release, Swedzinski said the package focuses on three key areas: crime prevention and accountability for criminals; police recruitment and retention; and holding the criminal justice system accountable.

“Our government’s top responsibility is to keep its citizens safe, and our state has been failing miserably in that regard,” Swedzinski said. “Failed leadership and a criminal justice system that all too often goes soft on perpetrators have only emboldened violent criminals. This is heightening concerns for Minnesotans who, at the very least, deserve to feel safe on the streets of our cities.”

Swedzinski said Minnesota must ensure local law enforcement agencies have enough officers on patrol, and that they have the resources they need to do their jobs. He said House Republicans are offering legislation to bolster law enforcement recruitment numerous ways, including providing education reimbursements and Pathways to Policing program funding.

“The demonization of police in our state has contributed to a record number of peace officers leaving their posts and fewer new recruits joining the force,” Swedzinski said. “The anti-police rhetoric needs to stop, and we need to change the narrative toward making sure our officers have the resources and support they need to keep us safe.”

Swedzinski also said data shows that judges statewide are departing from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines at a “troubling rate” and issuing lesser sentences for more violent criminals. He said House Republicans have authored several bills on this subject to increase transparency and to help us better understand why our criminal justice system continues to allow violent criminals to slip through the cracks.