Getting a head start on the 2020 session

Neighbors,

My work at the Capitol does not resume until February 11th, but I am getting a head start by introducing several bills related to environmental justice, transportation, equity hiring goals on state invested projects, and immigration ahead of time. Here's a quick overview of the bills I've just introduced:

Transportation

This bill would require the Department of Transportation to take local concerns and priorities into account before taking action on projects. If passed, the bill would require the DOT to engage the public on highway projects by taking the following steps: 

1. Provide inclusive outreach to stakeholders likely to be impacted by the project
2. Collect and disseminate information to stakeholders and the general public
3. Convey information identified or anticipated to impact the environment, public health, noise levels, traffic levels, and property acquisition
4. Design to increase awareness of local priorities, preferences, and interests
5. Engage with stakeholders to obtain feedback and provide authentic involvement in the decision-making processes

Environment and Climate Crisis

The second bill would help protect our environment by requiring the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to consider the cumulative impact of pollution before issuing air quality permits in the seven counties metropolitan area, and to hold public hearings on facilities with non-expiring air emission permits every five years.

Another bill would require the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate with other state agencies to assess the impacts of climate change, including the increase in heavy precipitation and storm events, on state-owned assets and to incorporate the funding needs associated with those impacts.

Immigration

I introduced two bills to prohibit sheriffs and local governments from detaining and entering into contracts with the federal government on immigration detention. 

Equity in Hiring

This bill would require any public projects receiving state general obligation bonds to adopt new hiring equity goals to ensure no community is excluded in the state hiring process.

Please let me know if you have questions on any of these bills, and remember you can share your input on your priorities for 2020 at my online survey here. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Fue Lee