In a post earlier this week, Evil weevil finds rude Welcome as MN Dept of Ag imposes emergency quarantine in Martin County, Bluestem Prairie wondered aloud about legislative support for the fight against Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species that threatens Minnesota's one billion-plus ash trees:
We'll have more on other recent developments in the state's EAB discussions as we delve into the statements about EAB from state lawmakers serving Martin County and vicinity.
Sadly, Bob Gunther, R-Fairmont, who chairs the Minnesota House Legacy Finance Committee, felt no need to increase funding to fight the destructive invasive species and thus opposed an amendment offered by Rick Hansen, DFL-South St. Paul, to the Legacy bill.
Despite the committee chair's opposition, the amendment to provide $500,000 in Legacy funding was adopted by the House in a 73-58 vote. Unfortunately, the provision was removed in conference committee. In the video below, Hansen notes that EAB a "slow moving crisis" that was going to strike in all members' districts; Gunther replies that there's no need to spend more money until the next year:
Will Gunther's constituents ask why their state representative wasn't on top of this one?
Photo: Bob Gunther saying no to Legacy funding for the battle against EAB.
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