Sen. Aric Putnam

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $18,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association through the commissioner of agriculture. It directly provides funding to the Association for grants, with no new requirements or policy changes for livestock breeders or the public. The bill solely allocates existing state funds for this specific recipient without altering broader agricultural programs.

Maddy summarySF 1339 appropriates $20 million from state bonds to fund the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure grant program, administered by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The bill authorizes the sale of up to $20 million in state bonds to provide these funds specifically for housing infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota (non-Metro areas). This funding supports housing development through grants under Minnesota Statutes section 462A.395, targeting infrastructure needs like water, sewer, or site preparation for housing projects. The bill directly affects eligible housing developers and communities in Greater Minnesota by providing dedicated capital for infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $20 million grant and forgivable loan program to help Minnesota dental assisting and hygiene education programs expand student capacity. It directly affects accredited higher education programs in these fields, allowing them to apply for funding to improve facilities, create scholarships, boost faculty salaries, or purchase equipment. The Minnesota Department of Health will award funds based on applications, prioritizing programs that maximize student enrollment growth. The appropriation is a one-time fiscal year 2026 allocation, available until June 30, 2028. Programs applying for accreditation but not yet approved are also eligible.

Maddy summarySF 1669 appropriates $350,000 annually (2026-2027) from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to the Minnesota FFA. The funds will provide new and expanded access for FFA members participating in art- and history-related activities, including up to $125,000 yearly to document 100 years of FFA history through a book, videos, and events. Remaining funds support specific activities like FFA band/choir, talent competitions, floriculture, and fair landscape booths. The bill directly affects Minnesota FFA members and specifies concrete uses for the allocated funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain farm fencing and equipment from Minnesota's sales tax, directly benefiting farmers who purchase these items for agricultural operations. It specifically covers fencing used to contain farmed deer or elk, farm machinery, generators powering farm equipment or livestock facilities, and materials for constructing or repairing farm fencing. The exemption applies to sales made after June 30, 2025, removing tax on these items for agricultural producers. It does not affect general sales tax rates or other exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $30.25 million annually from the state general fund to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the existing workforce homeownership program (under Minnesota Statutes §462A.38). The funding, starting in fiscal year 2026 and continuing through 2028 and beyond, directly supports the agency’s efforts to help low-to-moderate-income workers purchase homes. It does not change eligibility rules or program structure but provides dedicated annual funding for the agency to administer the program. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, specifically allocating resources to an established housing initiative.

Maddy summarySF 775 establishes a new ombudsperson position within Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development to support agricultural and food processing workers. The ombudsperson will help workers address workplace safety, housing, and fair labor issues by taking complaints, connecting them to services, and analyzing systemic problems. They must post verified complaints online and submit annual reports to the legislature detailing their work. This bill directly affects Minnesota's agricultural and food processing workers, who often face challenges in these areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $15 million grant program to expand capacity in Minnesota's accredited dental assisting and hygiene education programs. The grants fund specific projects like upgrading clinic facilities, creating new classrooms, offering student scholarships, improving faculty pay, and purchasing equipment. Higher education programs must apply for funding, with priority given to those that best increase student enrollment and workforce pipeline capacity. The funds are a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2027, for programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Maddy summarySF 1624 appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026 and $2 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a one-time grant to Propel Nonprofits. The funds will support community-based organizations through capacity building, technical assistance, training, and strategic consulting services. Up to 10% of the grant amount may cover Propel Nonprofits' administrative costs. This bill directly affects community-based organizations receiving services and Propel Nonprofits as the grant administrator.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum outstanding debt the Minnesota State Agricultural Society can issue from $30 million to $50 million, allowing it to borrow more for projects like fairgrounds improvements. It also adds a sales tax exemption for certain construction materials used in state fair infrastructure, covering admissions and parking at the Minnesota State Fair and separately ticketed events held on the fairgrounds during the fair. The exemption does not apply to off-season events or events held outside the fairgrounds. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025, for the debt limit and after June 30, 2025, for the tax exemption.