Greetings,
Today we have reached the third deadline at the Minnesota legislature, which is when committees must act favorably on finance bills. After a short Passover recess, our committee work will decrease significantly while our time debating bills on the House floor will increase.
SAUK RAPIDS DRINKING WATER PROPOSAL RECEIVES HEARING
This week, Sauk Rapids City Administrator Ross Olson joined me at a House Capital Investment Committee hearing to discuss funding for well construction due to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS are forever chemicals that have made their way into the drinking water supply in several Minnesota cities, including Sauk Rapids. The City is one of many seeking matching funds from the state so it can drill new wells and manage PFAS.
COMMERCE POLICY BILL APPROVED ON PARTISAN VOTE
As many of you know, I serve as the Republican Lead on the Minnesota House Commerce Committee. The House majority brought its commerce policy bill to the floor on Monday. The bill included a number of troubling provisions, including one that would change telephone statutes. This bill deletes existing language that requires 65% of voters to approve the construction or purchase of a telephone exchange, and replaces that requirement with a simple vote by a city council. In other words, if a city council believes it has heard too many complaints about the local telephone company, it can decertify it and take over. This is an extremely concerning policy regardless if this it becomes law or not.
House Republicans were successful in removing a provision that would allow city governments to add an 8% tax increase to broadband internet providers, a tax that ultimately would have been passed along to broadband subscribers.
COMMERCE FINANCE BILL DEBATE BEGINS
The commerce committee’s omnibus finance proposal also had its hearing this week. It contains numerous provisions, including one that would move money to fund the state’s new Office of Cannabis Management, which exists to support cannabis activities in Minnesota.
VETERANS DAY ON THE HILL
Wednesday marked the annual ‘Veterans Day at the Capitol’ event. It’s always good to visit with the men and women who fought for our freedoms and hear about the issues that are important to them.
SAUK RAPIDS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to David Rixe, who was recently named the 2024 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year!
Photo c/o WJON
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov. or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim