1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose S.F. No. 1211 and H.F. 451, which seek to repeal funding for Minnesota’s vital Lawns to Legumes program, and to support continued funding to sustain its impact. Since 2019, Lawns to Legumes has helped over 12,000 Minnesotans create 14 million square feet of pollinator habitat, supporting at-risk species like the rusty patched bumble bee and monarch butterfly. Demand remains high, with thousands applying each grant cycle—far exceeding available funding. The program also supports over 50 businesses engaged in habitat restoration. Currently, $4M from the state General Fund funds the program through Spring 2026, but S.F. No. 1211 and H.F. 451 threaten to cut it as of July 2025. Without continued funding, this successful program will be unable to meet demand or expand its reach, jeopardizing both pollinator conservation and public engagement. Minnesota has a strong tradition of environmental stewardship. This is year is my first time as a grantee and my hope is to do more conservation work in the future. Please support ongoing funding for Lawns to Legumes. Funding this funds a future for my children to live in a world with climate hope. That’s the MN I’ve come to know and love.