Dear Neighbors,
Now that the Legislature is back from the Easter/Passover break, we’re setting our sights on a full plate of things to accomplish over the next six weeks. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
MNLARS Fix
The House, Senate, and Gov. Dayton’s administration recently reached a compromise to deliver much-needed funding to Minnesota’s Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS). The project has had numerous challenges and the delays continued to mount, affecting drivers, businesses, and deputy registrars across our state. Minnesotans deserve a licensing and registration system that works and, when it doesn’t, we need to fix it as soon as possible.
New leadership is in place with a specific roadmap to fix the MNLARS issues and it will be a situation to monitor going forward.
Bills in Committee
I had two bills heard in committee on Tuesday. HF3908 is a bipartisan effort I’m authoring that makes a couple changes to improve our state’s water quality. Current laws only allow us to address surface waters and waters listed as impaired. This bill would let communities address groundwater and waters that are becoming impaired, giving taxpayers greater bang for their buck by tackling problems before they grow in magnitude.
The second bill, HF4190, would provide a tax credit for mechanical insulation improvements. Many Minnesotans know they can save money over time by making these types of improvements, but struggle to cover the initial cost. This tax credit would help in those situations while contributing to long term energy efficiency.
Veterans Affairs
On Monday, boots were placed on the steps of the Capitol as a reminder that 20 veterans commit suicide every day in our country. The same day, the Veterans Affairs Committee heard a presentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the process for constructing new veterans homes, which was a timely reminder of the work we still have to do for the people who serve our country.
Lakes-Links Trail Update
As I said at the beginning of session, one of the projects I’m working on is the Lakes-Links Trail to connect White Bear Avenue in White Bear Lake to Century Avenue in White Bear Township. This 1.5-mile trail would help walkers, runners, and bikers navigate the area more safely. This bill was introduced in late February and I’m continuing to push for a hearing in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
State Representative