Dear Friends,
It’s been quite a week in St. Paul and our area. There’s just a few weeks left in the legislative session, and I want to keep you up to date on what’s happening at the Capitol.
Transportation Funding
At the top of the list for many across Minnesota this session is funding a long-term, sustainable way to expand and repair our roads and bridges.
Despite differences in philosophy, both Republicans and Democrats see road and bridge funding as an area of importance in 2016. Instead of imposing an additional 16 cent per gallon, or more, tax on gas - which hurts low income Minnesotans most – the long-term, sustainable plan I support spends $7 billion on transportation over 10 years by using existing revenue streams, not raising taxes. With a budget surplus and a chance to pass a bonding bill this session, we don’t need to increase the gas tax.
The Republican plan also emphasizes a need to assist small cities across the state. Communities with under 5,000 residents like Glenville, Clarks Grove, Wells, and more in our area would receive increased transportation funding. Just like in metro areas, these small cities have roads and bridges in need of repair, and our plan reflects that need.
Omnibus Bills and Bonding Requests
In the coming weeks, we’ll discuss and vote on a number of supplemental budget bills. I’m happy to see some of my provisions included in these bills, and I’m hopeful they become law later this year.
Along with the omnibus bills, we may also see a bonding bill this session. I’ve authored four bonding requests to benefit our area. From funding a regional trail in Freeborn County, to assisting Riverland Community College, to extending sewer and water infrastructure in Albert Lea; these projects would help our district. Each biennium, there are thousands of bonding requests, so we’ll have to wait and see which projects are included.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On Wednesday, I was fortunate to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion of the Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. I’m honored to join other community leaders in celebrating this amazing new renovation. To take a tour of the enhancements to this facility, click here to watch a news story on the ceremony.
At the event, I ran into two former teaching colleagues who now reside at Thorne Crest. What a fun day to see this new addition and chat with old friends!
In-District Office Hours
Tomorrow, I’m holding three opportunities where you can meet with me to share your priorities for the current legislative session. These are informal meetings, and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please stop by and say hello! The meetings are as follows:
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
The Bakery
345 Main Street W
Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Jake's Pizza
24 W Franklin St.
Wells, MN 56097
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Interchange
211 S Broadway Ave.
Albert Lea, MN 56007
If you can’t make it to one of the stops tomorrow, feel free to call or email me with any questions or suggestions; I would love to hear from you!
Have a great weekend,
Peggy Bennett
State Representative, District 27A
rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn
651-296-8216