Dear Neighbors,
From my family to yours, Happy Easter!
I hope you have a blessed and joyous Easter! I plan on spending Easter with my family and hope you are able to spend time with your family as well.
The legislature will be on a long weekend break beginning Thursday afternoon as lawmakers head home for the Easter holiday.
Despite the shortened week, there were a number of bills that were heard in committee as deadlines are quickly approaching.
On Tuesday, legislation that would re-open the prison in Appleton was heard before the House Public Safety Committee. While I do not serve on the committee, I attended a portion of the hearing as constituents from Big Stone County were in St. Paul supporting the bill.
This bill would help provide jobs for hundreds of residents in the Appleton area and I am hopeful that it will move forward.
Additionally, I had four bills before committees this week—all of which have a positive impact on our local communities.
House File 2365 was heard before the Agriculture Policy Committee. This bill simplifies and reduces costs for ditch repair.
On Wednesday, House File 2952 was heard by the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee. This legislation works with Grant County and allows them to hold a public auction for three tax forfeited properties.
House File 2664 was heard before the Environment Committee and allows Herman to obtain a permit to lower the water levels of Big Lake in fate fall in order to handle spring runoff, thus helping to prevent flooding.
Finally, House File 2616 received a hearing before the Environment Committee that would require the state to cover some of the unfunded mandates in regards to their water treatment plant.
Vicki Oakes was in St. Paul this week testifying on behalf of Big Stone County in support of the Appleton prison bill.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding state government. I can be reached on my cell phone at 701-361-1909.
You can also reach me at my office in St. Paul by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Enjoy your weekend,
Jeff