Dear neighbors,
The 2017 legislative session came to a close on May 26th. After a long and challenging session, I am proud of the work that got done during my first term in office.
All year, the entire Duluth delegation worked incredibly hard to make the case for bringing critical infrastructure projects to Duluth. Working together with the many people who have stood with us, we achieved several victories by working to convince lawmakers on both sides of the aisle how important these investments are for Duluth’s future.
A few of these investments were contained within the 2017 bonding bill, a nearly $1 billion package of public infrastructure improvements throughout the state. These include: $15 million in funding for Phase 1 of the Duluth Steam Plant project, provisions to allow funding for the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, $27 million toward the University of Minnesota Duluth Chemistry and Advanced Materials Science Building, and $24 million for the St. Louis River Clean-up Project.
There were other victories this session as well, which represent significant strides for Duluth. One of these is improvement in our state’s education. I opposed proposed cuts to schools, which would have led to diminished programming, teacher layoffs, and increased class sizes. Instead, I fought to get a 2 percent funding increase each of the next two years, which Duluth Schools needed just to keep up with inflation. We were also able to ensure critical funding for pre-kindergarten is continued as well.
We were also able to encourage investment in our community. In the tax bill, we added provisions that will enable Lincoln Park to benefit from Duluth tourism tax dollars, and strengthen investments being made in our neighborhoods.
Additionally, this session we stuck to the value of local control by stopping the “preemption” bill. In preventing this measure from going forward, I resisted attempts to remove the ability of cities to set fair labor standards for workers like earned sick time and safe time, paid family leave, and a livable wage.
It has been an honor to serve our community, and I encourage you to continue to reach out to me with questions and comments. Please stay connected by calling me at 651-296-4246 or emailing me at rep.liz.olson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative – District 7B
Rep. Liz Olson
221 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone: 651-296-4246
E-mail: rep.liz.olson@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Madeleine Garces, 651-296-2955