Update from Rep. Tabke: Combating Climate Change

Your Friday Update from the Office of Representative Brad Tabke: 

When the Legislature returns on February 11, 2020, it will do so with several new climate-focused groups and subcommittees, and with Minnesota being one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, there’s a lot of work to do. 

In concert with the thousands of Minnesota students that marched on the Capitol and around the state for action on climate change, members of the Minnesota House formed the Climate Action Caucus, of which Rep. Tabke is a member. Following suit, Governor Walz recently announced the creation of a Climate Change Subcabinet as well as an advisory council on climate change, and members of the Minnesota Senate established their Clean Energy & Climate Caucus this week. Climate change is a huge issue facing our state, and it’ll take bold, innovative action at all levels to address it.

In the Minnesota House, we’ve been holding informational hearings on how climate change impacts various policy areas, including transportation, housing, and public health. Our next meeting will cover the impact of climate change on Minnesota’s environment. You can find more information on the Climate Action Caucus, including updates and a meeting schedule, on our website. 

Also be sure to listen to our latest episode of The Shakopee Podcast. This week, Rep. Steve Elkins of Bloomington discusses electric cars and the future of the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS).

Other News:

• With the new legislative session just around the corner, we have two new events that’ll help your voice be heard in St. Paul. First up, Rep. Tabke will be holding a “Festival of Ideas” on Saturday, January 11, from 12-1pm at the Shakopee Public Library. If you have an idea for a piece of legislation, or an issue that needs to be addressed, feel free to come by for this community brainstorming session. You can find more information on our Facebook event page. 
• Just before session convenes, Rep. Tabke will host a 2020 Legislative Session Preview. We’ll be at the Shakopee Public Library from 6-7pm on Friday, February 7. We’ll be going over Shakopee’s priorities for the session, as well as new and already existing pieces of legislation. You can find more information here. 
• A new VA Clinic has been proposed for Shakopee’s west end. If all goes well, construction could begin as soon as April 2020. This building would replace the current VA clinic located in the Shakopee Town Square Mall. You can read more about this project here, and listen to our episode of The Shakopee Podcast where we covered the veterans services available in Scott County. 
• In the new year, there are several other important legislative events taking place in Shakopee, be sure to mark your calendars for:
  • Youth Advisory Council Meeting - Jan 20
  • Senior Advisory Council Meeting - Jan 22
  • Be Heard on Cannabis - Jan 29

Have a great weekend!

Brad Tabke, State Representative
Adeline Miller, Legislative Assistant