Current legislation

Each year, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approves a set of priorities for advocacy during the state legislative session. If you’d like more information about any of these priorities, please contact Jennifer Berquam.

The 2026 Legislature will convene on February 17, 2026., for up-to-date information, please visit the Minnesota Legislature website.

2026 state legislative priorities

Olmsted County-specific proposals

Materials Recovery Facility

Support $20,250,000 in state capital investment to construct and equip a regional materials recovery facility (MRF) in Olmsted County. This facility will reclaim recyclable materials and extract recoverable and non-combustible components from the municipal solid waste stream for further processing. By transforming waste from a liability into a valuable resource, the MRF will promote sustainable practices, reduce landfill dependency, and support environmentally focused economic opportunities. Currently, no regional MRF exists in southeastern Minnesota, making this a critical infrastructure need for the region.

Proposed interchanges at CSAH 3/TH 14 and CSAH 5/TH 14

Support $8,000,000 in state capital investment for design and environmental review services for proposed interchanges at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 3 and Trunk Highway (TH) 14 and CSAH 5 and TH 14. The 2021 US Highway 14 Corridor Analysis Project established a long-term vision for TH 14 between the cities of Rochester in Olmsted County and Kasson in Dodge County to improve safety and mobility and encourage regional development. The implementation plan from the analysis project identified the construction of an interchange at both locations in the Byron area of Olmsted County.

Southeast regional ground water protection and soil health initiative

Support the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources’ (LCCMR) recommendation to allocate $2,817,000 from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to address rising nitrate levels in groundwater across southeastern Minnesota. This regional initiative promotes the implementation of soil health practices on private lands in areas where groundwater is vulnerable to contamination.

Originally developed by Olmsted County in 2023, the program has demonstrated measurable success, with increasing adoption by local producers and more acres enrolled each year. The proposed LCCMR funding will support the expansion of this proven model to additional counties in the region. While this funding will catalyze regional implementation, additional resources will be necessary to fully scale the program and achieve long-term impact.

Oxbow Park bridge structures

Support $2,040,000 through the Legacy Parks and Trails Fund to replace two aging pedestrian bridges over the Zumbro River at Olmsted County’s Oxbow Park. The new bridges will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring inclusive access to the park’s extensive trail system for all visitors. The project will also improve emergency response and maintenance access with one of the bridges designed to accommodate light vehicle use.

Cascade Creek stream restoration

Support $952,000 through the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to restore a previously straightened segment of the south branch of Cascade Creek. This restoration will address increasing development pressures in the area by reducing sediment delivery, improving floodplain connectivity, enhancing flood attenuation, and strengthening the wildlife corridor. The project will also improve recreation opportunities, contributing to the ecological and community value of the region. 

Construction materials and equipment state sales tax exemption

Support a state sales tax exemption for construction materials and equipment associated with the new exhibition center at Graham Park. The project will expand regional capacity for events and entertainment, attract new visitors, and stimulate economic growth across southeastern Minnesota. The state sales tax exemption will provide an approximate $1,000,000 cost savings to the county and local community.

Statewide issues impacting all counties

SNAP, Medicaid, and other county cost shifts and reductions

Support state funding and policy solutions to address the cost shifts counties are facing due to federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other human services programs. These changes have increased the burden on counties without corresponding resources.

To mitigate these impacts, counties urge the state to:

• Invest in the modernization of human services technology systems to reduce administrative errors and improve efficiency.
• Simplify eligibility and administrative requirements to lower error rates and ease the growing workload on county staff.
• Ensure the state assumes responsibility for increased county administrative costs and the SNAP benefit cost share. Minnesota is one of three states (MN, NC, NJ) where the county pays all non-federal reimbursed administrative costs for economic supports.

Additionally, Olmsted County encourages the state to pursue reforms within state-run programs to identify cost savings rather than shifting financial responsibilities to counties. Counties are eager to be active partners in these discussions and solutions.

Mental health

Support investments to expand services and address gaps in the state-wide mental health continuum for adults and children, including the following two key issues:

• Expand access to state operated mental health beds.
• Establish and fund a Medicaid benefit for children’s crisis stabilization services.

Human Services technology modernization

Support the modernization and replacement of human services technology systems to reduce duplication and errors, streamline access for clients, and simplify processes. Prioritize tools that empower counties to minimize errors, efficiently process applications, combat fraud, and enhance client service and outcomes. Specifically, advocate for immediate bridging solutions—tools that can be rapidly deployed to support staff today—while advancing long-term system replacements that integrate into a centralized platform. This platform should feature shared client demographic data, dashboards, client portals, robust reporting, and document management capabilities.