Greetings,
It was good to meet with local leaders in St. Paul this week to hear about what they’re working on and how the state could provide them some assistance.
LOCAL PROJECT DISCUSSIONS
Officials from Benton County, the City of Sauk Rapids, and the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District visited recently to discuss their plan to make improvements near the high school. They are seeking capital investment funds to bridge the financial gap between the local entity contributions. The funding would be used for campus improvements at the high school as well as safety upgrades on County Road 1 that will be needed for increased traffic. It’s a great showing of cooperation among local units of government.
Stearns County officials were also on hand recently to request a sales tax exemption on the materials needed to help construct its new judicial center.
PRESERVE GIRLS’ SPORTS ACT
We are entering the Minnesota High School League’s winter sports playoff season. It’s always great to watch these competitions. As the events are about to heat up, a bill that ensures biological males only play in boys high school athletic events is moving forward in the Minnesota House. The bill author states that the only priority in this bill is to maintain fairness and safety in girls’ high school athletics.
RESTORING ELECTRONIC PULL TABS
American Legions, VFW’s, and other organizations that offer the wildly successful electronic pull tabs are noticing a significant decline in use after the majority party voted last session to remove popular features on the gaming systems. A January 2024 to January 2025 monthly sales comparison finds that businesses are experiencing a 20% - 40% drop in play. That’s bad news for local charities like EMS groups, food shelves, and youth sports teams who benefit from the charitable gambling proceeds electronic pull tabs provide. New House legislation would restore e-pull tabs back to their original form. Without it, charitable organizations statewide could see a decline in funds greater than $100 million this year if declining usage continues.
VISITORS
This week I was able to meet with the members of the following organizations:
- NAMI Minnesota
- Mental Health Legislative Network
- Minnesota Association for Justice
- Minnesota Rural Electric Association
- Teachers Retirement Association
- Minnesota Child Care Association
- HealthPartners
- Minnesota Medical Association
- Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs
Thanks to all who stopped by!
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