Dear friends,
I see the Mississippi River has opened up in Little Falls and the water is flowing without the ice layer. This is one of the signs I look for each spring suggesting that gardens and outdoor activities are not far away. This time of the year also signals the movement of major omnibus bills at the legislature. Here are some things to watch for in the coming weeks.
Education Bill
In the House bill, there is additional funding for schools. We fund a 1.5% increase for both years with a number of innovative programs in early learning and for student achievement. Chair Loon has worked closely with the Education Finance Committee and the bill is a very good starting point.
Transportation
There is never an easy way to solve the transportation infrastructure needs. Minnesota has thousands of miles of roads needing improvement and plenty of bridges that need tending to over the next couple years. The House transportation bill invests $2 billion in the next two years targeting roads and bridges throughout the state.
Health and Human Services
I'm hopeful for the inclusion of funding for a Morrison County opioid abuse prevention program in the Health and Human Services omnibus. Family Medical Center physicians Dr. Kurt DeVine and Dr. Heather Bell have testified in St. Paul and made the case to fund this important initiative.
Fish Fry Friday
If you have the chance to visit Browerville tonight for the Vets Club fish fry; you won't be disappointed.
Have a great weekend!
Ron