Greetings!
Here’s an update from St. Paul.
Appointment to the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission
I’m honored to have been appointed once again to serve on the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission. This 12-member commission is comprised of Senate and House Members and advocates for the efficient management of the school trust lands that are purview of the Department of Natural Resources. Through careful and prudent management of timber, mineral and land resources associated with the properties, the trust lands provide Minnesota’s school districts with additional funding to be used for K-12 education. I have also been the chair of this commission the past two years.
Veteran De-Escalation Training Bill to be Heard in Veterans Affairs Committee – February 16 (HF406)
This is a bill that I authored last year, but did not become law. However, I am attempting it once again this session.
I authored this bill to provide funding to teach law enforcement officers crisis de-escalation techniques to use on Minnesota veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Teaching police proven methods to de-escalate situations for veterans experiencing PTSD is so crucial for not only the well being of veterans, but the safety of law enforcement as well. Resolving a dangerous situation without further violence or even arrest can be achieved with proper training. De-escalation training is supported by a number of interested parties, including veterans' groups and the law enforcement community.
Stop Using Tax Dollars to Pay Taxes (HF531)
I’ve co-authored a bill with Rep. Chris Swedzinski from the Marshall area to stop using tax dollars to pay taxes. HF531 will exempt schools, cities, county and other government entities from have to pay Minnesota State Sales Tax on the purchase of materials for building public school buildings, roads, bridges and other local government buildings. It just seems odd and counterproductive be using tax dollars, which fund these projects, to pay sales taxes.
St. Cloud Chamber Day at the Capitol
Members of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce and others will be hosting “A Day at the Capitol” to visit with several members of the Minnesota House and Senate to share central Minnesota’s priorities. They will be joined by others, including officials for the central Minnesota area cities. The date is Tuesday, February 24. For more information, contact the St. Cloud Chamber office.
Thanks to many of you that have reached out to discuss your thoughts on legislation introduced this session. As always, please feel free to contact my Legislative Assistant at (651) 296-7808, or contact me directly via email at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn. If your friends and neighbors haven’t signed up to receive my email updates, encourage them to stay informed by directing them to this link.
It is an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Tim
Fun Fact of the Week: Saint Paul officially became the home of our State Capitol on February 7, 1851.