Straight
Talk
with Mike Deering Smoke & Mirrors Too often, the political process is an exercise in smoke and mirrors. I believe it is our responsibility to ensure you know who is fighting for you and who is blowing smoke. Your top priority in the state legislature was modifying eminent domain laws. Eminent domain was always intended to be used as a last resort to provide critical infrastructure to the general public. It was never intended to be used by for-profit companies to take private land for private gain. That’s exactly what is happening in the case of Chicago-based Invenergy’s socalled Grain Belt Express. It is bigger than one project. It is the dangerous precedent this project sets. It’s the domino effect.
JUNE 2020
The House quickly passed the legislation sponsored by Rep. Jim Hansen. In fact, it was the first bill passed this year. We appreciate all House members who supported it. The speed of this bill traces back to the top. Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr is a defender of private property rights who saw the blatant injustice occurring to landowners now and the threat moving forward. He made this issue his issue and he didn’t have to do that. We are also beyond grateful for the passion of Rep. Hansen.
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The companion legislation, sponsored by Sen. Justin Brown, passed out of committee on January 29. It was apparent the Senate was going to be a hurdle. We were anxious to once again prove naysayers wrong. Then COVID-19 happened. Once the legislature reopened, everyone was scrambling to save their top priority. Our chance came on May 6. This is where we got to see who stood with us, who worked against us and who chose to
Executive Vice President remain silent. We got to see the exercise in smoke and mirrors. The only senators on that floor who truly fought for us were Sens. Justin Brown and Mike Bernskoetter. Many chose to remain silent on the issue even when they had the opportunity to speak. Every democrat except for two vocally participated in the filibuster led by Sen. Scott Sifton. He filibusters almost every bill we support, and we are truly excited to see him leave as he terms out this year. The real filibuster surprise came from a leader of the so-called conservative caucus, Sen. Bill Eigel. Hypocrisy was on full display, and he was a disappointment to anyone who believes property rights are at the core of who we are as a nation. Sen. Ed Emery and Sen. Bill White also spoke against the bill, but they have at least been consistent on this issue from the beginning. Our policy committee will review elections and present recommendations to the Board of Directors, who must approve endorsements by an 80% majority. We will continue to fight for you. We will support those who support you. You deserve more than smoke and mirrors. Please make plans to attend the Cattlemen’s Steak Fry on July 11 to ensure we have the funds to make a difference.
