Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to spring! Let’s hope this warm weather keeps up so we can have a successful governor’s fishing opener in our area. At a minimum, we’ll at least have a chance to get outside and enjoy the spring-like temps.
We have about a month left in the legislative session, so there’s lots happening.
Deputy Registrar Reimbursement
Yesterday, my bill, HF2835, passed off the House floor on a wide bipartisan vote of 123-1. The bill provides $9 million of aid to deputy registrars to help offset the numerous costs incurred following the rollout of the state’s vehicle licensing system, MNLARS.
Deputy registrars have come to St. Paul time after time to explain how MNLARS is devastating their businesses. It’s no fault of their own that MNLARS is causing delays, slow processing times, and a need to staff for overtime work. Those in charge of MNLARS need to recognize their failure to put out a working system is costing Minnesota registrars dearly.
I’m thankful members of both parties voted to pass this legislation yesterday to help ease some of the pain experienced by our hardworking registrars around the state. As Minnesotans head to their local license centers, I hope they say an extra 'thank you' to our registrars for their work given the difficult circumstances.
Last Month of Session
With only four weeks remaining in the legislative session, we have been working overtime to package our committee work and assemble many of the bills we heard and discussed in committees. We’ll work to put together a series of larger bills that go to the House floor for further debate and passage. This has been a busy process in my committees of Transportation, Jobs and Energy, and Ways and Means.
Along with these larger proposals, I am also assembling my final opioid bill which will include other bills related to opioids and addiction support. We have so much work to do in this area and resources are the biggest challenge. I want to pass something that saves lives right away. Some really good ideas are coming and I will share this bill with you soon.
Local Visitors
On Wednesday, I joined Sen. Andrew Lang to visit with the Willmar Chamber of Commerce Leadership Perspectives class. It was great to talk with these up-and-coming leaders in our community. Thanks to everyone who made the trip to St. Paul!
Please Contact Me
If you ever need anything, please call or email my office. I love hearing your ideas, or any ways I can be of assistance to you and your family. For now, enjoy the great weather, get out and shop local and I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Have a great weekend,
Dave