Dear Neighbor,
We’re in the home stretch of the 2024 legislative session and local issues remain my top priority as we make our way to our May 20 scheduled date for adjournment. Here is a look at where things stand:
Moose Lake bill
 | | Thank you to Matt Bolf and Phil Entner of Moose Lake for coming to the Capitol this week to work on a local project. |
This week, Moose Lake City Engineer Matt Bolf and I presented to the Capital Investment Committee legislation I have authored to predesign, design, and construct the lining of a sewer main pipe in that city. My bill (H.F. 2884) was well received by the committee and it remains in the mix for passage if/when a bonding bill comes to the floor this session. Click here for a brief video of us making our committee presentation.
Cloquet Area Fire District bills
I also recently met with Cloquet Area Fire District officials at the Capitol and during a local listening session to discuss solutions to help meet their unique needs. I have authored multiple bills to address issues they face, including two capital investment requests (H.F. 2182 and H.F. 0644).
Another bill (H.F. 5410) I have authored would help resolve a situation which has caused the fire district to miss out on public safety money provided by the state. My bill would allow for fire districts and ambulance districts to receive direct state funding instead of having those dollars filtered through other local governments that may face other pressing needs of their own. At the same time, efforts continue at the Capitol to address a funding shortage Emergency Medical Services are experiencing throughout our state, putting the lives of Minnesotans at risk.
Save CARE Carlton
While there are no major developments to report, I continue working to save CARE Carlton after a proposal by Gov. Tim Walz threatens to shut them down by July 1. CARE Carlton is a valuable asset for local residents, providing chemical dependency and substantive abuse treatment help for women, and we need to make sure these services continue.
Anti-Second Amendment bills
Three anti-Second Amendment bills are on the calendar for votes of the full House on Monday. H.F. 601 puts the onus on the victim of a crime to file a report to law enforcement within the government’s definition of reasonable time. H.F. 4300 places additional firearm storage burdens on law-abiding firearm owners. H.F. 2609 includes an expanded definition of trigger activators, which may impact some commonly used guns. As a firm Second Amendment supporter, I oppose these bills and may take a closer look at this subject in an upcoming newsletter.
Watch for more as we make our way through the final weeks of the session. As always, your input is welcome as I continue doing my best to represent local residents and find common-sense solutions to the issues we face.
Have a great weekend and please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Jeff