Dear Neighbors,
I hope to see many of you at one of the two town hall meetings tomorrow, Saturday, January 28th. Senator Eric Lucero will join me, and we will give an update on what is happening at the capital and be available for questions.
Town Hall Schedule for Saturday, January 28th
9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Nowthen City Hall,
8188 199th Avenue NW
Nowthen, MN.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Elk River Public Library
13020 Orono Pkwy
Elk River, MN
Blackout Bill—House File 7
On Thursday, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved a bill that will dramatically increase your family's energy bills and decrease the resiliency of the power grid in Minnesota. This legislation would require all utility production in Minnesota to be carbon-neutral by 2040.
Studies show that this could cost the average Minnesota family an additional $4,000 yearly on energy or $333 extra a month.
In addition to the costs, these mandates will impact the reliability of our energy grid. In a state like ours, with our harsh winters, we need reliable energy. One only needs to look to California and its rolling blackouts to understand what could be coming to Minnesota. We shouldn't be looking to California for policy advice on anything.
The Governor of North Dakota has pledged to sue Minnesota- because the legislation would illegally regulate commerce in North Dakota. Because of the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate, this legal threat is likely the only way the bill will change in any meaningful way.
Serving Minnesota
Recently, I was reappointed to serve on the Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community Relations Advisory Council. The Council assists the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST Board) in maintaining policies and regulating peace officers to ensure the protection of civil and human rights.
I look forward to serving on this important Council for the next two years as we look at ways to improve policing in Minnesota. Undoubtedly, all of us have felt crime's impacts in our communities. I hope this Council sets politics aside and does the hard work needed to reduce crime and improve relations between law enforcement and the communities they honorably serve every day.
Staying in Touch
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on ways to improve state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Paul