Legislative Update - Wrapping Up 2023

Hello Friends, 

As we near the end of the year, it’s natural to be reflective, and looking back on what we accomplished this year, both for Shakopee and our entire state, I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity to be your state representative. 

This year, for the first time in a decade, we moved past gridlock and worked together to make the largest investments in Shakopee families our state has ever seen.

Together, we protected reproductive rights, made major moves to 100% clean energy, delivered the largest tax cut in state history, prioritized our students, cracked down on catalytic converter thefts, expanded voting rights, strengthened gun violence prevention measures, addressed our housing crisis, legalized adult-use cannabis, delivered $173 million in new investments for Shakopee’s nursing homes, and funded over $42 million in infrastructure investments for our community. 

Now, looking to 2024, I’m incredibly excited to build on these wins and continue our efforts to make Minnesota the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Please continue to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you have - that’s always been an integral part of our success.

Next year’s legislative session starts on February 12, and before then I’ll touch base in the new year on different ways you can get involved as I prepare to head back to St. Paul. For now, I’ll leave you with a quick update on the latest news and resources from the Minnesota House:

Improving Transit Safety

This year, as Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee, a key issue I took on was improving safety and the general experience of our public transit system. At the start of this year, a car accident during the first week of the legislative session landed my truck in the body shop - and me on the bus and light rail.

I quickly realized what an incredible asset we had in our public transportation system, but we clearly needed to do more to create a better, safer environment for riders. After extensive input from stakeholders, what resulted were new policies and investments that became the Transit Rider Activity Program, Transit Rider Investment Program, and Intervention Project.

This week, we received an update on the impact of our new laws. You can read a recap of our informational hearing here. Long story short: we’re making progress, but we have a ways to go.

Have you taken Metro Transit recently? How was your experience? Whether you’re hopping on the train for a Vikings game or regularly using it for your commute, as we revisit the issue next year, I want to hear from you. 

Climate & Energy Roundtable

I want to give a shout out to Shakopee’s Koda Energy for hosting our Climate & Energy Roundtable this week. I was joined by Climate and Energy Chair Patty Acomb and Transportation Chair Frank Hornstein as we talked with Koda Energy, Shakopee Public Utilities, and folks from the Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative and the Great Plains Institute.

This year, we invested nearly $250 million in innovative solutions to lower the cost of energy, including $3 million for Koda Energy to dehydrate and create energy from wood impacted by emerald ash borer. 

We’re creating new good-paying jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a dynamic green economy right here in Minnesota. I look forward to working with these local stakeholders to ensure Shakopee is a leader in our state’s cleaner, greener energy future. 

The Cold Weather Rule

As we near the end of the year, and cold weather sets in, a quick reminder that Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” is now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30.

To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.

Name A New Snowplow!

What’s become a fun, annual tradition is now back - the contest for naming the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s new snowplows! Do you have a name worthy of joining past winners like Clearopathra, Sleetwood Mac, and Blader Tot Hotdish?

Submit your creative ideas for the “Name a Snowplow” contest by Dec. 15!

Would love to see our new snowplow named by someone from Shakopee! Even though we haven’t seen much of our snowplows with the warmer temps on the way, I’m wishing you and yours safe travels on our roads this holiday season - and a happy New Year!

Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn.gov

Jared Margolis, Legislative Assistant | Jared.Margolis@house.mn.gov