Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
While it has once again been a very busy time here in St. Paul, it certainly feels different with our DFL colleagues refusing to show up to work. It’s been two weeks now and, quite honestly, I expect it may continue well into March.
While the Democrats refuse to show up and contribute the opinions of their constituents, Republicans remain busy getting their work done, holding committee meetings, and crafting meaningful legislation to improve the lives of Minnesotans.
As you may have heard, I have been named the Chair of the Environmental Policy and Finance Committee. As chair, I’m focused on reorienting our priorities back towards the issues Minnesotans expect us to address: hunting, fishing, parks, trails, and the activities that get Minnesotans outdoors and enjoying our natural resources.
This week, I heard one of the highest priorities for the session – the Permitting Reform Bill, officially known as the Efficiency and Wetland Conservation Act. This Bill aims to improve the efficiency of our state’s permitting process while simultaneously maintaining the world's most stringent protections for our land and waters.
Secondarily, permitting reform is very important to local governments and job creators around the state. It's a heavy lift, but I'm determined to work on this issue so that Minnesota regulators can get back on track and get their work done in a timely manner.
I appreciate your input as we move through the 2025 – 2026 Legislative Session, so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with me. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.gov.
Have a great weekend,
Josh