Friends,
I hope you had a fun and safe Independence Day with your family and friends. We are fortunate to live in a country that affords us the right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness that is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.
Protecting Your Property Rights
A recent Supreme Court decision, Murr v. Wisconsin, has expanded the ability of federal agencies to use eminent domain to take private land. The decision has been criticized by the Washington Post as "both a setback for constitutional property rights and likely to create confusion and uncertainty going forward." The new test for eminent domain takings by the federal government has both expanded the ability to take private land and made it less clear when that taking is appropriate.
I have the first draft of legislation to protect the property rights of Minnesotans from further encroachment by their state and local government. While the Federal Government will be able to use eminent domain under the parameters laid out in the Murr case, state's are able to afford property owners more protections from state and local government's taking of land. I plan to introduce this bill as soon as we reconvene for the 2018 Legislative Session.
Appointment to the Legislative Energy Commission
Late last month I was appointed to the Legislative Energy Commission along with Majority Leader Peppin and Reps. Garofalo, Swedzinski, and Newberger. The Legislative Energy Commission was created in 2008. It evaluates the energy policies of the state, assessing the impact on the future of the environment and the economy. The commission also monitors the state's progress in achieving goals to develop renewable sources of electric energy; evaluates progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; reviews and recommends proposed energy legislation and takes public testimony on energy issues.
I am excited to be a part of this commission and to help make sure we balance the energy needs of our state while making progress on meeting clean energy goals.
New Laws Go Into Effect
Beginning July 1st, a number of new laws went into effect including a historic investment in transportation and funding of our schools. You can see a complete list of newly enacted laws on July 1 here.
Among the laws now in effect is Sunday liquor sales. Off-sale liquor sales are now available on Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts and ideas on issues important to you. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling (651) 296-9236, or share your thoughts via email by emailing me at rep.duane.quam@house.mn
Thank you and have a great summer,
Duane