Dear Friends,
We're gearing up for a flurry of activity this week with the first of many budget bills coming to the House floor for initial passage starting today. We will be debating and likely passing off the floor the omnibus Jobs, Commerce, and House bill, HF729.
On Thursday, we're scheduled to debate the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Finance bill (HF976). We're expecting a spirited debate, as many of the rural members have concerns about the impact some of the provisions in the bill may have on farmers and rural communities in Greater Minnesota. Then on Friday, we're expected to take up the Judiciary Omnibus bill (HF1160), as well as the Public Safety Omnibus bill (HF724).
I will keep you as up-to-date as possible on the progress of these bills. We are going to have session each day, Monday through Saturday, so it's expected to be a busy week. If you have input about these bills, or any of the other bills that we'll be debating in the next several weeks, I hope you'll contact me office at rep.john.petersburg@house.mn or 651-296-5368.
Highway 14 Update
Last week, Governor Dayton and House DFL Leaders unveiled their general obligation bonding recommendations, which did not include funding for the Highway 14 project. However, the Highway 14 project will most likely be funded under the trunk highway bonding bill which is different from the general obligation bonding. That bill will most likely be offered next year. Also, due to the lack of support at the legislature for an increased gas tax, it's also unlikely that Highway 14 would see funding in the Transportation bill. Yet I am still confident in my discussions with fellow legislators that there is momentum leading to the completion of Highway 14.
I have co-authored legislation with DFL Rep. Kathy Brynaert and GOP Rep. Duane Quam that provides funding for Highway 14 as a Trunk Highway bonding project, and will continue to work to make sure Highway 14 remains a transportation priority this biennium. It's critical that we secure funding for this project to help improve highway safety for those who use Highway 14 to get to work and to transport goods between cities.
Financial Literacy Month
This month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is partnering with the Minnesota Twins and Governor Mark Dayton to sponsor an essay contest for students in grades 3-5 for Financial Literacy Month. The question is:
If you were 100 years old, what three things would you tell your grandchildren to do to make smart financial decisions for their future?
Responses are limited to 300 words, and are due on Tuesday April 30th. The winner will receive signed baseball memorabilia, tickets to a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field, and will be recognized on the big-screen during the game.
Julia Miller
Minnesota Department of Commerce
85 Seventh Place East, Suite 500
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Thank You
I want to thank all of you who have contacted me with your thoughts and support over these last few months. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and will to spend time giving me your opinions and concerns. It is that feedback that is extremely important to me.
Have a great week,
John Petersburg
State Representative, District 24A