Legislative Update- November 3, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

November is upon us and I hope you’ve had time to enjoy the transition to cooler weather. 

I recently was able to spend a brief time in Washington D.C. to support my wife and son-in-law, who serves in the U.S. Army, when they both ran the Marine Corps Marathon.

Community Coffee Hour

A new month means another community coffee hour on November 11th; and then we’ll take a brief break for the holidays. I'd love to see you at Dunn Bros to hear what's on your mind.

Here’s an update on what I’ve been working on over the interim:

I was honored to welcome the House Capital Investment Committee to Apple Valley last month.

We heard from Minnesota Zoo director John Frawley and one of the outstanding lead veterinarians about the need for a new animal hospital and loading dock to transport and care for the animals. The current facility dates back to the 70s and lacks sufficient space for operations and up-to-date equipment and lighting.

I also had a chance to show committee members firsthand what our state bonding investments delivered to build the world’s largest elevated trail! Since it opened this summer, the Treetop Trail has brought in 250,000 additional visitors from every corner of the state.

Although I don’t serve on the Capital Investment Committee, I’ll continue to support robust bonding investments in local infrastructure across the state, so Minnesotans can thrive in their communities. 

Other Infrastructure Tours

At the LIUNA training center, we heard updates from industry leaders, agency commissioners and legislators about the implementation paths moving forward to make Minnesota a better place with opportunities for everyone. 

After years of neglect, the legislature made major investments in our infrastructure last session with historic investments in roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, repairs to existing assets, and building new structures for expanded education for the future workforce we will need. This investment also builds economic success in Minnesota by creating jobs, and increasing the prosperity of families that will impact generations to come.

I recently visited the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) incinerator and the Recycling and Energy Center in Ramsey County.

Reducing the waste stream is an ongoing endeavor. There are issues around incineration to energy, one of the significant ones is what becomes of the trash if we shut down the HERC. I was grateful to have a chance to see firsthand the behind the scenes operations.

MNA Award

It was a tremendous honor to receive the 2023 Public Official Award from the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) for carrying legislation to ensure the public interest is protected through strong oversight of health care business transactions, including proposed hospital mergers. You can read the press release here. 

The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) empowers members to use their collective strength, knowledge, and experience to advance and enhance safe and professional nursing practice, nursing leadership, and community health and well-being, including access to quality health care for all. Nurses are at the very center of our health care system; their well-being results in the well-being of all of us. I’m grateful to carry legislation that helps improve their workplace standards as they continue their delivery of excellent quality care. 

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506 with questions, input, or ideas. Even if you can’t make it next Saturday, I enjoy hearing from you throughout the year.

Thanks for the honor of representing of Apple Valley Neighbors at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Robert Bierman
State Representative