Dear Neighbors,
I would like to wish everyone and their families a happy and blessed Easter! The legislature has been on its yearly Easter break this past week. While no official business has been conducted, I have still been out in the district speaking with constituents on issues that are affecting our communities.
Governor Signs Bill into Law
Governor Mark Dayton signed House File 423, a bill that I chief authored, into law last Friday. HF 423 allows ambulance medical directors to authorize staffing levels, and applies to ambulance services based in communities with populations of 2,500 or less. Furthermore, this bill allows neighboring ambulance service to be from another state and to provide mutual aid for up to 12 hours per day.
I am honored to have my first bill signed into law by Governor Dayton. Thank you to the Governor and my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support of this important bill that will ensure that our rural communities have the capabilities to respond to an emergency situation in a timely manner.
Majority Leader Visits District
Last Friday, House Majority Leader, Joyce Peppin, traveled to District 12A to take a firsthand look at the needs and priorities for our area.
Pictured here is Majority Leader Peppin and myself meeting with local officials and the Bois de Sioux Watershed District, in Herman, to discuss the proposed flood mitigation project at Big Lake which will bring much needed flood relief to Herman and the surrounding area.
Majority Leader Peppin and I also toured the Denco II Ethanol Plant to speak with president Mick Miller and board members about the role of ethanol production in Minnesota's and the nation’s economy.
The Majority Leader and I also spent time at the Wulf Cattle annual sale in Morris to gain perspective and meet with local farmers to discuss livestock and its vital role in the agricultural community.
This past Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with Chancellor Jacqueline Johnson along with Brian Hermann and Lowell Rasmussen on the Campus. This campus is an excellent asset for our area.
Had an enjoyable constituent breakfast in Clinton on Wednesday morning. There were 30 people who attended from the area. I appreciate everyone who came out to share their views and ideas. A special Thank you to Kathy Draeger for arranging this event.
If there are any community events that are taking place in the district that you would like to make me aware of or advertise in my weekly update, please contact my office.
Also, please take a moment to complete my 2015 legislative survey. You can complete the survey by visiting my House member page and clicking on the survey link under the "Feedback Wanted" tab on the right side of the page.
If you are planning on being in St. Paul this session, please feel free to contact my office by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn to set up an appointment. I would love to meet with you and talk about ways we can make Minnesota better. Again, it is an honor and privilege to represent you and your family for the next two years. I am here to be YOUR voice in St. Paul and it is a responsibility that I take very seriously.
Thanks and talk to you soon,
Jeff