Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, I hope everyone stayed warm during the cold snap we faced this week! As things heat up here in St. Paul, I want to share some exciting updates for you. We have been busy in committees, drafting and introducing bills, and meeting with constituents. The House Republicans introduced House Files 1-10, which outline the priorities we heard from Minnesotans on the campaign trail and continue to hear as session begins. These first 10 bills support the following goals: - Stop the Fraud
- Make Minnesota Affordable
- Make Minnesota Safe
- Use Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
- Build for the Future
- Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
HF8This bill will help improve and streamline our permitting process in Minnesota. On the Iron Range we know all too well just how important permits are – in everything from mining to wetland conservation projects – reform is badly needed. Our state’s environmental permitting process has been identified as an obstacle to economic growth, so I am confident these changes will help alleviate these hindrances. HF9This bill will lift the nuclear moratorium in Minnesota, giving us the freedom to construct new, clean, and reliable nuclear plants here. We face an energy crisis, and this bill will change provisions in state law regarding the use of renewable energy sources. The bill also provides the following provisions: a sales tax exemption for residential heating fuels and electricity, the use of carbon capture and other technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ample time for electric utilities to meet applicable standards. These changes will give us greater reliability and lower rates for electricity across the state. I have been working fervently on legislation related to the nuclear, carbon capture, and hydro provisions of this bill. Since 2021, I have chief-authored bills regarding carbon capture and sequestration technology, hydroelectric capacity, and more. The energy issue is one that I have wholly committed myself to, and I am hopeful that we will make big changes this year. Housing CommitteeIt was an amazing privilege to be able to chair my first committee this week in the Minnesota House. Beginning the work of addressing housing concerns for all Minnesotans is an incredibly humbling and exciting task. I look forward to tackling this with input from all of you and other partners. Our first hearing was this Tuesday as we heard presentations from non-partisan House Research and Fiscal departments to talk about the policy and finance details of the committee. On Wednesday, we heard from housing stakeholders about the challenges our state is facing and what solutions will and will not work to get Minnesota to be a leader in the housing industry. One thing is clear, however: Minnesota is in a housing crisis, and we are working very hard to change course.  Constituent Dale Juntunen, President of the Builders Association of MN, testified before the Housing Committee on Wednesday. March for LifeThis Wednesday marked the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the country. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) held a rally on the Capitol steps to advocate for the lives of the unborn. Thank you to all who braved the cold for this worthy cause.  Half of the House is Empty My Democrat colleagues still have not shown up for work. It is time for this boycott to end. Now more than ever, we must demand an end to partisan stunts like these. The people of Minnesota should always come first. I urge my Democrat Representatives to come to the Capitol and help in tackling the issues we face. Contact MeMake sure to keep your eye out for the next newsletter as many of the bills for our area will be introduced! I am here and at work for you. If you have any concerns or would like to have a conversation, I am available by phone at 651-296-4936 or by email. I look forward to hearing from you!  |