Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance Report - Greg Flor
MOHA Director of Minnesota Trappers Association
The complex world of politics, the polarity of ideologies, the stubbornness in people, plus the euphoria of power and the quest to be on top will make this an incredible legislative session. You have a slowed economy - I believe that it's not broken, but she does refuse to move forward. It could have a direct connection to our politics or the fear of it.
We have a push for a stadium. It was suggested that it could possibility tap in to the Legacy Fund Division of the Art's and Cultural Heritage Section for funds. The noise from Legacy protectors deafened the ears of our Deer Hunting Governor and he's buried that in the caves of St. Paul. The attack will continue, as politicians strive for control of monies out of their reach. I'll keep you posted.
Our Legislative Banquet is scheduled for February 22 at the Holiday Inn in St. Paul. Congressman Erik Paulsen will be our keynote speaker. All the top brass in the DNR will be in attendance (if you want to chat with them this is a good opportunity). I believe that Governor Dayton will again attend. He is REALLY approachable and willing to talk about most anything, and that's been rare from the Governor’s Mansion for a lot of years. We have had both federal and local Sportsman Caucus Members attend and they love to talk wildlife issues. It is a great place to bend an ear or encourage an effort. More trappers should attend. It would be nice not to be the only one in the room that still actively participates in the fur harvest.
We have a couple of pending issues left from last year. Getting the "Right to Bear Arms" inserted into our State Constitution, so we’re protected on both the State and Federal level. We will again see HSUS pushing legislation on dog ownership (pup mill disguised) and who knows what all else this team will dream up. We expect that there will be more focus on the economy but attachments to items to biggest bills will have to be watched and not allowed to slip through.
Next year is "ELECTIONS". That means we will see a lot of politics in the next 12 month - some will be good and some not so much. We'll be watching.
Greg Flor
MOHA Rep for the MTA