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Dear Neighbors,
It has been a busy week in St. Paul as legislative activity is starting to pick up. Next week, Governor Walz is set to formally release his budget proposal. This proposal will give us a good idea of the Governor’s priorities for the next two years and I look forward to unpacking it and sharing highlights with you soon.
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced its intention to adopt the California Cars Mandate through the administrative rulemaking process. In short, Governor Walz’s administration would put this mandate in place without first securing approval of the Minnesota Legislature, a move that will ultimately raise vehicle prices.
Living in the Northland, we understand the importance of clean air, clean water, and have always done our best to be good stewards of the God-given natural resources we are blessed to enjoy. While possibly well-intentioned, ultimately these California Cars standards are the wrong approach for Minnesota.
The mandate would impose California’s emission rules on all cars sold in Minnesota starting in 2025. This includes a zero-emissions vehicle standard – which requires automakers to provide lower and zero-emission vehicle options, such as electric vehicles.
By following California's auto standards, we would be the only state in the Midwest subject to pricey regulations set by bureaucrats 1700+ miles away. I have said before I am a proponent of electric vehicles that will be built with the iron, copper, and nickel we have here in our Northland. But in no way, shape, or form is this the correct or best path for Minnesota.
Vaccine Rollout
COVID-19 continues to impact most aspects of our lives. Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel as more vaccines become available. While doses remain scarce, the state nevertheless continues to ramp up its vaccination efforts.
On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced a new community COVID-19 vaccine program that partners with local public health and school districts at nine locations across the state. The pilot sites will initially serve adults aged 65 and older, Pre-K through Grade 12 teachers and school staff, and staff working at licensed and certified childcare programs.
According to the announcement, a "small number of doses" will be available at each site for eligible Minnesotans, and appointments can be made by phone or online only for Minnesotans 65+.
Visit this website for more information: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/
Staying in Touch
As your representative, it is my duty to listen to your thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding state government. Please do not hesitate to contact me, it would be great to chat. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Spencer
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