AgriNews reports on agricultural issues at the Legislature…

The state’s Farm Bureau and Farmers Union priorities provide a blueprint that would benefit rural communities. Creating an environment that encourages more readily available and affordable health care is hugely important. It involves motivating more institutions, doctors and other health care professionals to set up shop in underserved rural areas.

Programs to better protect Minnesota’s invaluable natural resources is another area where a consensus for action seems apparent. Protecting water resources and conserving top soil are keys to maintaining a sustainable future.

Improving broadband access to rural communities is another. Increasing broadband access would help motivate businesses and families to live and work in rural communities and improve educational opportunities.

There is broad agreement on the need to reform property taxes to produce greater fairness for farmers.