Good afternoon and happy Friday!
Today marks the first deadline in the Minnesota House which means that we are quickly approaching the end of session. I have been very busy getting bills for our home heard and talking with other legislators about our priorities for the Range and Northland.
To all those that have been reaching out to me over the last few weeks, I cannot thank you enough.
Your thoughts, ideas, and testimony have given me the information I need to best work for all of us and bring our best days to reality. As we talk about this budget surplus and other legislation, I have been giving each issue a simple test; “Does this bill work to give Minnesotans a hand up to help them to live life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?”
As we continue through this session, I will remain steadfast in the issues of our home and stand up for our rights.
Public safety telecommunicator-HF3974
With getting those bill hearings, legislation I authored received a hearing in the House Public Safety Committee on Tuesday afternoon. House File 3974 requires that public safety telecommunicators often referred to as 911 dispatchers, be certified for that role by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The bill builds on legislation I authored last year, with the idea originating from Grand Rapids, that convened a working committee to establish standards to streamline 911 and emergency telecommunications across the state of Minnesota. HF 3974 implements the recommendations made by this working committee.
Public safety and the security of their family and friends are top of mind for Minnesotans and our public safety telecommunicators are almost always the first on the scene when we need help even though they are on the telephone line.
When someone dials 911, they have confidence that an individual will pick up on the other end and provide the necessary support and information they need in their time of crisis in addition to getting help on the way.
It's an honor to carry this bill that leads the way in providing the tools necessary to make sure that dispatchers are equipped to respond to these calls while streamlining the standards effectively and efficiently across the entire state.
Energy Independence
Earlier this month, I wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to pursue a national policy of energy independence and to reconsider his decision to cancel mineral leases in Minnesota.
You can read that letter here.
Following up on that letter, I have also authored a House Resolution asking Biden to recommit to American energy independence.
Relying on hostile nations like Russia for the important commodities that power our national economy is a strategic mistake that leaves America and the free world vulnerable to the whims of autocratic dictators.
It’s time to get this done for American workers and consumers.
I also had the chance to speak to this on Justice & Drew on Twin Cities News Talk. You can listen to that here.
Staying in Touch
I will do my best to keep you updated on what’s happening in St. Paul. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Spencer