Drought relief bill in Minnesota stalled

(St. Paul, MN) -- A drought relief bill is stalled in the Minnesota legislature.

Governor Walz called on lawmakers in September to pass a ten-million dollar relief package for cattle producers and specialty vegetable farmers. A record 90-percent of the state was in a severe drought in mid-August. Ranchers faced heavy losses having to buy hay as forage crops dried up.

The DFL-controlled House and GOP-controlled Senate don't agree on how best to deliver drought assistance. Cattle producers gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol lawn Thursday, saying the relief package is desperately needed to help those who experience huge expenses surviving the drought.