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Dear Neighbors,
Minnesota’s mask mandate will end today as Governor Walz is set to follow guidance from the CDC stating that vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or social distance inside or outside.
This is good news and another important step towards normal.
We are entering the final weekend of the 2021 legislative session and it appears that a budget agreement will not be reached before the May 17th adjournment date. Voters expect legislators to be able to work together and finish their work on time. Once again, it appears that we’re heading for a special session.
The main sticking point seems to be centered on Governor Walz’s insistence on maintaining his emergency powers and Democrats’ insistence on raising taxes at a time when then state has budget surplus of historic size.
Instead of spending time on bills that have zero chance of becoming law like last night’s recreational marijuana bill, we should be focusing on things like exempting PPP loans and unemployment insurance from state taxes.
Click here to watch my recent appearance on WDSE’s “Legislative Report” where Rep. Julie Sandstede and I discuss the current state of play in St. Paul.
Stay tuned as I will work to keep you updated on what’s happening.
Standing up for the Northland
House Democrats have tucked a provision into the Omnibus Commerce/Energy that would effectively end pipeline, mining, and other heavy infrastructure projects as we know it in Minnesota.
I'm concerned that this provision would allow current and future administrations to act unilaterally to stop critical infrastructure projects from moving forward under the guise of adhering to green emission standards.
The sorts of mandates and energy goals they are pushing is the wrong approach for Minnesota and would crush the Northland’s economy.
Click here to read a news release I sent out raising the alarm about this harmful provision: https://bit.ly/3fb6nx4
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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