Neighbors,
It is an honor to work for you at the Capitol, where I have the opportunity to introduce bills that return power to our local cities to govern themselves.
This morning, the Minnesota Management and Budget office released their February budget forecast. Minnesota is on track to experience a budget surplus of $1.869 billion. I would prefer to see this surplus used to repair and expand our roads and bridges to enhance commerce and ensure that you and your family can travel safely to and from work, school, or the many great places in our district and across our state. I am sure that you have suggestions for the best way to utilize this surplus – please stay in touch to share your thoughts!
It was great to read to the first grade class at Cologne Academy today. We enjoyed reading three classics: Green Eggs and Ham, Caps for Sale, A Zoo for Mr. Muster. Our students are so passionate about their education! I also had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director Lynn Peterson and School Board member Jeff Katherman. I am looking forward to bringing the things I learned from them and their students to the Capitol as we discuss the best way to serve our schools.
On Thursday, my bill regarding electoral filing fees was heard in the Government Operations and Elections Policy committee. HF763 allows local governments the ability to set their own filing fee requirements for public office, and is a common sense way to lessen the impact of state government on our cities. My bill has bipartisan support, and will be included in this session’s Omnibus Elections bill, which is a bill that contains many of the proposals introduced this session that have to do with how elections are run statewide.
My bill to require the approval of Met Council appointees by local governments continues to gain traction in the House. I’ve been able to garner bipartisan support from co-sponsors that span several districts impacted by Met Council policies who understand that local governments must have a say in who serves as their voice on the Council. I look forward to continuing to discuss this bill with my colleagues.
Please continue to stay in touch to discuss your thoughts on the many critical pieces of legislation we discuss every day. You can schedule an appointment to visit me in St. Paul by calling my office at (651) 2960-5999, or email me directly at rep.jim.nash@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jim Nash