Dear Neighbors:
Happy Earth Day! Next week the House will consider the majority's "omnibus" bills. I'll report on them then. In the meantime, I wanted to make you aware of several upcoming opportunities to provide input on important issues.
Chat with Dave (April 30)
I'll be holding office hours again on Saturday, April 30, 10:00am to 11:00am. I will be at Edgcumbe Rec Center, 320 Griggs St. Stop by for informal conversations about the legislative session and legislative priorities for you and your family. Please click here for more information.
Riverview Corridor (May 11 and 19)
I'm the author of a bill to explore improved transit options in the Riverview Corridor, an area which includes a considerable part of our neighborhood. It is critical that the exploration - and the resulting decisions - be guided by input from the people who live here. Community meetings and walking tours are coming up on May 11 at St. Luke Lutheran Church and on May 19 at Sholom Home. Both run from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Please click here to get involved and to learn more.
Mississippi River - and Water Action Week
The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is developing rules governing the Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA). Since our community is fortunate to be so close to the Mississippi, the proposed rules are of particular importance to us. The public comment period is opened on April 11 and will close on July 6. There are a number of opportunities for input, including public hearings that will be held in mid-June. Visit the MRCCA site to learn more about the proposed rules and how to comment.
And speaking of water - Minnesota's iconic resource - Governor Dayton has declared the week just ending to be Water Action Week. Check out the Governor's one-stop web page that provides a number of helpful links to learn about the challenges facing our lakes, rivers, and clean drinking water systems, as well as actions that we all can take to make a difference. One site of particular interest to me, given my focus on the youngest Minnesotans, is www.h2oforlifeschools.org, where parents, teachers, and kids can find simple lesson plans, watch short videos, and find new ways to make a positive impact on water quality.
There are many other ways to get involved with these and other issues, of course; please choose the one that works best for you. And thank you for the honor of serving our community.
Dave Pinto
State Representative, District 64B
321 State Office Building
(651) 296-4199
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b