Dear Neighbors,
Because of a 60-day, post-session rule, I’ll be unable to send email updates after today. Although I can’t send out updates, you can still contact my office and I’ll be sure to get right back to you. If you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call or email.
Looking Back
When I reflect on what we’ve accomplished this biennium, I’m proud of how we’ve passed important legislation to help Minnesota families. Over the last two years, we passed the largest tax relief package in nearly two decades, invested in roads and bridges without a gas tax increase, and helped stop double-digit premium increases.
Personally, I was proud to advocate for our area and pass a number of provisions over the last two years. This includes bills to save taxpayers $58 million by eliminating the taxpayer funding of project maintenance and operations related to the Southwest Light Rail Train, improve our state’s cybersecurity, and fund $160,000 toward the restoration of the Historic Andrew Peterson Farm here in Waconia.
This year, I passed a bill to create a pilot program in Waconia schools to increase vocational training for high school students. Though this was ultimately vetoed, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to continuing this work. I also advocated for more funding for the Youth Skills Training program which helps high school students learn an in-demand skill that can help them fill the current jobs gap in the tech and skilled labor industry. Giving our students the knowledge and skills to succeed after high school is extremely important, and both of these initiatives are ways to ensure that happens.
Another thing I’ve worked on is to correct the constant issues facing our licensing system, MNLARS. It’s been almost a year since the botched rollout, and we continue to see persistent problems and glitches with the system.
While everyday citizens feel the pain through long waits or shutdowns, it’s also our deputy registrars hurting from the state’s mistakes. I advocated for a bill to help our deputy registrars recover some of the numerous costs caused by MNLARS. Unfortunately, Governor Dayton decided politics were more important and vetoed our bill containing this provision. It was a disappointing decision, and means there’s still work to be done to fix MNLARS. If you’re a deputy registrar in need of assistance, or just someone who’s experienced one of these issues, please contact my office.
Capitol Visits
One of my favorite parts of this position is welcoming local residents to our amazing Capitol. If you want to visit the Capitol, or bring your kids, or have a school group come to St. Paul for a tour, please contact me! I’d love to come in and show you around.
Please Contact Me
Thank you for reaching out with your ideas and suggestions over the last two years. It was so helpful to hear from you and use your insights in our work at the Capitol. It’s truly an honor to serve as your voice in St. Paul, and I’m humbled by this responsibility. Though I won’t be able to send out updates, you’re still welcome to contact me and I’ll be sure to get back to you.
Have a great summer,
Jim