With Rep. Fabian in a Polaris Slingshot before the House passed his Autocycle License Bill on Thursday 129-1.
With Chris Boike, Megan Krieger and Terry Kahlil who came to talk to me about local libraries.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from Saint Paul.
Fireworks Freedom Act
On Monday, the House passed the bipartisan Fireworks Freedom Act which would make it legal to use bottle rockets, firecrackers and other aerial fireworks around the Fourth of July.
The bill is different from legislation passed a few years ago that was vetoed by Governor Dayton. This bill would allow aerial and audible device fireworks to be sold from June 1 through July 10, and would give local governments to option to prohibit sales in their community or charge an annual license fee to stores where they are being sold.
Every year, we hear folks setting off fireworks to celebrate Independence Day and it's clear that Minnesota's prohibition on fireworks just isn't working. Plus, our state loses approximately $5 million in sales tax revenue each year when people go across the border to North Dakota and other neighboring states to buy them.
I voted in favor of the bill and believe people should be able to exercise their freedoms and responsible adults should be allowed to buy fireworks for the Fourth of July.
Broadband
House Republicans unveiled their proposal this week to expand broadband internet access across Minnesota. The proposal totals $35 million, and when combined with federal funding, would mean a historic investment in broadband for our state.
Included in the proposal is $28 million for rural broadband expansion and another $7 million to improve broadband access for Minnesota students through new, innovative programs.
Underserved areas in our community will benefit from our innovative proposals to expand broadband, helping students, families, businesses and local government have consistent and reliable access to internet. I think it's a win-win for folks throughout Minnesota, and I am pleased we are advancing this proposal this session.
Sandpiper Pipeline Public Meeting in Crookston
Staff from the Department of Commerce, the Public Utilities Commission and Enbridge/North Dakota Pipeline Company will be hosting public comment meetings, including one in Crookston and one in Thief River Falls, regarding the proposed Sandpiper Pipeline which will run through Northwest Minnesota.
These public meetings will provide Minnesotans an opportunity to learn more about the proposed projects, as well as ask questions and provide input. Comment cards will also be available for people who wish to provide a written statement for public record. Many folks have been frustrated by the politics and process regarding the project, and this will give folks a forum to go on the record and share their thoughts.
The following local meetings have been scheduled in Crookston and Thief River Falls:
Wednesday, April 27, 2016, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Crookston Inn and Convention Center, 2200 University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716
Thursday, April 28, 2016, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Ralph Engelstad Arena, 525 Brooks Avenue North, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Budget Targets
Last week, the House released their budget targets, and with state government fully funded for the next two years, we are proposing no net increase in spending in supplemental finance bills.
Some adjustments to the budget include reprioritized dollars in the agriculture budget that have been left unused from last year's avian flu outbreak. Those dollars well be saved and repurposed for lab equipment for livestock disease prevention efforts. Should avian flu resurge at a point in the future, we will still have plenty of funds to meet the needs of local farmers with some additional dollars moved into the disaster relief fund. Changes in the education budget also allow school districts to make early repayments on loans from the state, something they asked for to help them save money in the long-term.
Taxes and transportation are still the two top priorities for me, and with both bills awaiting final negotiations with the Senate, I am hopeful we can pass legislation that puts money back in your pocket and invests in substantial infrastructure improvements for our roads and bridges.
Question of the Week
Question: Increasing broadband access in Greater Minnesota is a priority for many families, businesses and local governments in our community. Do you believe we should be investing in broadband this session and have you had personal experiences related to slow or unreliable internet connectivity?
Please reply to this email to share your thoughts with me! Your opinion is valuable and helps guide me in supporting legislation that reflects the priorities of our community.
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If I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B