Greetings -
This weekend marks the final committee deadline, the date by which all bills must be heard in committee in order to be considered as stand-alone legislation on the House floor. Several pieces of legislation that I have authored are being considered for inclusion in the House budget bills. Debate and passage of the bills will continue into next week.
Avian Flu Update
Last week, I reported to you that we had passed nearly $1 million in emergency funding to combat the unexpected outbreak of avian influenza. While we recognize the seriousness and worked hard to appropriate funds to protect turkey farmers, the Senate chose to add unrelated provisions to the bill, slowing down our ability to enact this important piece of legislation. My colleagues and I continuing to work hard to ensure farmers get the aid they need to combat this widespread problem. Federal and state food inspectors are engaged to help manage this ongoing situation.
Transportation Bill Passes House Floor
On Tuesday the Transportation omnibus bill passed the House floor with broad bipartisan support. This bill contains provisions that make up part of the $7 billion, ten year funding plan that I wrote about in earlier updates. The bill includes specialized funding for town bridges and roads, municipal roads, small cities, and county roads. As we go into conference committee with the Senate to deliberate on a final bill for approval from the Governor, it is my sincerest hope that we will reach a solution that addresses your needs without an undue tax burden.
Local Road Project Discussions Continue
We continue to focus on local transportation concerns as the session continues. This past week, the House Transportation committee heard testimony on road improvement and expansion projects in Sauk Rapids, Sartell, and Benton County. Because the roads are of regional significance, they could be eligible for possible inclusion in a Capital Investments funding bill.
Pensions Bill Moves through House
As the Chair of the Pensions commission, I am carrying the state pensions bill for consideration in the House. Our bill includes cost-saving measures for the state while continuing to deliver on the promises that have been made to those covered by state pensions.
Through the weekend and into next week, we will continue to debate our omnibus bills. I am excited to share more details with you as they pass off of the House floor. If your neighbors have not yet signed up for my email updates, now is the perfect time to encourage them to do so by sending them this link. Please continue to stay in touch by taking my Legislative Survey and contacting me via phone at (651) 296-3780, or via email at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Rep. Tim O’Driscoll
This Day in Minnesota History: The Minnesota Twins played their first game at the Metropolitan Stadium on April 21, 1961. Go Twins!