The State of Minnesota's Agriculture / Assisting the Elderly and Vulnerable

Minnesota’s agricultural production is valued at $21.3 billion, seventh in the United States, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the health of the state's agricultural economy, efforts to diversify the industry, the newly established grain indemnity fund and the importance of international trade relations.

The 2024 legislative session convenes Monday, February 12, and committee chairs are beginning preparations for the non-budget-setting session. Senator John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, joins Shannon to talk about the challenges facing nursing homes, workforce concerns, aging in place and top priorities for the coming session.

Also in the program, Governor Tim Walz signs an executive order making it easier for people to qualify for state jobs, lawmakers promote a new law that allows for second chances and the Metropolitan Governance Task Force considers the regional planning system of Portland, Oregon.