We are already about halfway through the legislative session. The late nights in committee and on the House floor are starting to produce legislation that will really make a difference for Minnesota.
Together, we’ve been working on pieces of legislation that I’d like to share with you, as they have a direct impact on Shakopee in addition to being a benefit for the state as a whole.
My very first bill is making its way through the committee process. This bill would allow hunters to use leashed dogs when tracking big game, specifically helping hunters who are colorblind. I’m not a hunter, but this is legislation brought to me by members of our community that would really benefit from this change in statute. It’s a great snapshot of good governance; an issue faced by the community is brought to the representatives, and now this bipartisan, bicameral legislation has a chance to improve Shakopee and Minnesota residents’ lives.
Another piece of legislation we’re working on would protect businesses like Canterbury Park in the event of a government shutdown. As we’ve seen recently, lives can be turned upside down when businesses can’t operate during a shutdown because government entities aren’t open. The “Lights On” bill would enable the Minnesota Racing Commission to continue operating and serving businesses like Canterbury Park, even if a budget hasn’t been agreed on. Like the leashed dogs bill, this is another piece of legislation that I’m carrying along with Senator Eric Pratt, because protecting Shakopee businesses isn’t a partisan issue.
Serving on the House Corrections Committee, we’ve gained insight to the needs of correctional facilities throughout the state, in addition to Shakopee’s. A bill I’m working on alongside law enforcement would make it much easier for corrections officers to detect contraband in our facilities. Thank you to Tracy Beltz, Warden of Shakopee Correctional Facility, who came to testify in support of the bill. The safety of our corrections officers, the incarcerated, and the surrounding communities is of paramount importance.
The last bill I want to update you on would really help homeowners and businesses by creating a housing tax credit contribution fund. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency would be able to provide loans or grants for workforce housing construction. A housing tax credit would help to increase the development and availability of workforce housing in Shakopee, and all over Minnesota.
Our work at the legislature is at its best when we work together, and I’m proud to say that all of these bills have bipartisan support, as well as companion legislation in the Minnesota Senate. That’s how we make meaningful changes, not by playing party politics, but by finding common ground and building a better Minnesota from there.
Brad