Our work continues in the Minnesota House as our first major deadline to approve bills in committee approaches on Friday. Here’s a look on what I’ve been working on: Drought Relief and Climate ResiliencyThe agriculture and food production industries aren’t just major pieces of Minnesota’s economy; they are critical to ensuring we all have healthy, nutritious food to eat. Unfortunately, due to persistent drought conditions starting last year, many farmers and ranchers have faced enormous challenges. I was proud to support significant drought relief legislation recently to help them recover, with the funding targeted toward the smallest operations, including specialty crop producers who are unable to access federal crop insurance. Many of them are immigrants and those just starting out in agriculture, and have products for sale at our farmers markets. We also need to recognize the impact of climate change, including extreme weather swings, so it’s imperative we invest in climate resiliency. The bill includes investments to help communities remove and replace impacted trees and prepare for future water challenges, replace seedlings on DNR-managed lands killed by the drought, and to help private forestland owners and tribal and county governments replace seedlings on their lands. Connected to CommunityThe House Capital Investment Committee recently heard two of my bills I’m authoring for our communities. The first would provide state bond investments to construct and renovate the Apple Valley Red Line 147th Street Station. More specifically, if passed, the funds would be used to build a skyway between the northbound and southbound stations on either side of Cedar Avenue, create additional waiting areas, and make upgrades of other items such as staircases, elevators, and lighting. This infrastructure improvement would provide a safe crossing for pedestrians rather than the current, dangerous setup that requires residents to cross nine lanes of traffic on Cedar Avenue. The other bill I’m working on would build an inclusive, safe, and accessible playground for all children, including those with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. All our kids deserve to enjoy Apple Valley’s incredible community parks and outdoor spaces and I’ll continue to advocate for this project and its passage, so kids of all abilities have the opportunity to play and thrive. The Sun Current News covered these bills, and you can read more here. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn or 651-296-5506 with questions, input, or to let me know if you need any assistance. I’m happy to help! Hope to see you Saturday morning. Take care, Robert Bierman
State Representative |