Legislative Update This Week in St. PaulThis past week has been a productive one in the legislature. I’ve been focused on crafting bonding bills to support infrastructure projects across Minnesota. I also had the opportunity to meet with constituents and several advocacy groups, including the Future Farmers of America, the Parks and Rec Manager for McLeod County, the Association of Minnesota Counties, and the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. These conversations allowed me to hear directly from these groups about their needs and priorities, helping me better understand how to serve our communities and put forward legislation that fits the needs of Minnesotans. Bonding BillsI’ve sponsored three bills relating to bonding projects for the cities of Henderson, Carver, and New Germany. These bills are scheduled to be heard before the House Committee on Capital Investments next Thursday. HF 458 – City of Henderson This bill aims to improve the quality of drinking water in Henderson. The grant will be used to design and construct a new water treatment facility and connect it to the city's existing well and water distribution system. HF 459 – City of Carver The funds are to be used for capital improvements to the Carver levee, which will protect a historic district from flooding by the Minnesota River. The project will include design, engineering, land acquisition, construction, and FEMA certification. It aims to raise the levee's height, add internal drainage, create maintainable setbacks, and meet FEMA standards. HF345 – City of New Germany The grant will be used for designing, engineering, constructing, and equipping improvements necessary to expand the city's wastewater treatment facility capacity, which will allow the city to build new homes and expand the opportunity for business growth. This Week's Meeting RoundupIt was a pleasure meeting with constituents and advocacy groups from both our district and across Minnesota. These conversations are invaluable, providing important context as I work on legislation. I encourage you to reach out and get involved!  Jon Jerabek, the Parks and Recreation Manager for McLeod County We met on Tuesday during the Greater MN Parks and Trails Legislative Day at the Capitol. We discussed the trails and parks within McLeod County, focusing on the county’s goals and objectives. Our conversation also centered on the legislative priorities that would benefit the residents of McLeod County. It was a productive discussion with valuable insights into how we can support the county's parks and recreation needs. Future Farmers of America FFA day with students from the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted and Glencoe-Silver Lake School Districts.   MN Counties Association On Wednesday, I joined the annual Association of Minnesota Counties event at the Capitol, where we discussed how state legislation impacts counties across Minnesota. Pictured from left to right: Commissioner Paul Wright, Administrator Sheila Murphy, and Commissioner Doug Krueger.  Poultry Day in St. Paul The MN Turkey Growers Association held Poultry Day at the Capitol, where we discussed their legislative needs and heard from industry decision-makers about the problems facing turkey growers in Minnesota. |