The following column by Representative Peter Fischer was published on Wednesday, February 6 in the White Bear Press:
The 2019 Legislative Session began nearly a month ago on Tuesday, January 8. It is an honor to represent the great people of White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, Birchwood, and Willernie at the State Capitol. I will continue to honor our shared Minnesota values of respect and cooperation as we strive to get results for all Minnesotans.
I am pleased to take on a new role as Chair of the newly-formed Water Division this session. Protecting our water supply has been a top priority of mine for several years, and I am excited to see these issues get more attention than they have in the past. I am particularly excited to find solutions for restoring White Bear Lake and addressing the water resource issues of the northeast metropolitan region.
Water conservation is crucial for both environmental sustainability and outdoor recreation in our community. I have become aware of water quality issues involving Lost Lake and two sewer spills from several years ago. I am committed to looking into the situation and getting it dealt with. I will also support efforts to construct a safe, accessible Lake Links bike trail so all residents can enjoy the beauty of White Bear Lake.
I have been reappointed to the Legislative Water Commission. This coalition studies the latest science and data and makes recommendations to the legislature. The Water Division will hear bipartisan proposals from the Legislative Water Commission, and I am confident that we can make progress over the next two years.
Attempts to conform Minnesota income taxes to federal law failed in 2018 due to a variety of factors. Since the end of last year’s session, the Department of Revenue has updated the tax filing system to accommodate major differences between federal tax laws and Minnesota’s tax code. They have done great work to address the major issues for filers this year, so it’s not urgent that the Legislature act. We now have the time to carefully craft a tax conformity proposal that is fair to Minnesota families, individuals, and businesses and asks corporations to pay their fair share.
I am particularly looking forward to working with some young people from our district. Ryan Hall-Hunt and Peter Merrill, graduates of White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi High School who now attend the University of Minnesota, will be interning in my office this session. Two current Mahtomedi High School students are working with me on a bill that will be introduced next week. Jack Kalkman and Thomas Atkins inspired this proposal to create a task force for redesigning the state flag. They will testify in favor of the bill at the Capitol and push to move it forward.
I am encouraged by many of the good things proposed so far. While the process has just begun, I am confident we will take meaningful action this legislative session. I look forward to keeping you updated as we move forward at the Capitol. As always, please feel free to contact me at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn or 651-296-5363 with any questions or concerns.