Dear Neighbors,
I hope your Easter/Passover break was restful and filled with family and faith. I was fortunate enough to travel with all my family and spend some time together. The time was very special to my family, especially since we will be sending my oldest son Alex off to Air Force basic training this week.
The legislature returned from break on Tuesday, and continued the frantic pace we've been on since late February. The House passed more than two dozen bills this week on a variety of topics; campaign finance, public safety, additional "unsession" bills, and more.
On Thursday of this week I was appointed by DFL Speaker Paul Thissen as the only House Republican member of the Women's Economic Security Act (WESA) conference committee. I was chosen as, a small business owner, for my commitment to closing the gender pay gap and my commitment to improving entrepreneurial opportunities for all women and men.
The biggest legislation still left to tackle before the May 19th deadline is the bonding bill. In even-numbered years, the legislature typically passes a bonding bill that provides funding for projects across Minnesota. Unlike other bills, bonding bills require 60% support, or 81 votes as opposed to the usual 67.
I am in favor of limiting the bonding bill to about $846 million, and have urged the majority to focus on priorities and needs like roads, bridges, and infrastructure necessities. The final version of the bonding bill that will come to the floor has yet to be released, so it remains to be seen what projects will be included.
I hope to see the Camp Ripley Veteran’s Trail, Grey Eagle Park, and improvements to the State Veterans Cemetery included in the final bill, and will be sure to keep you posted on its progress in the closing weeks of session.
As always, my door is open and I appreciate your input and feedback. Feel free to contact my office at any time at 651-296-4247 or rep.ron.kresha@house.mn. It's been a privilege to represent our community for the past two sessions, and I am grateful for your continued support and friendship.
Have a great weekend,
Ron Kresha
State Representative, District 09B