Dear Neighbors,
We are back from a brief Passover break and are gearing up to pass our supplemental budget bills for the year. Here’s an update from the Capitol:
1. Blaine Business Council - Boosting Local Business
- I attended the Blaine Business Council yesterday. It was a great opportunity to hear from our business community along with school and city officials.
- MnDOT gave a presentation on road construction on Highway 65. This includes the basic maintenance work occurring this year and the full redesign that is projected to start in 2026, thanks to the $103 million I led the way in passing at the State Capitol last year.
- The Blaine Police Department gave a presentation on the new “organized retail theft” crime that the Legislature established last year. They explained how this law has allowed them to crack down on shoplifting in the city.
- It’s always good to see the actions we take at the Capitol resulting in positive developments for our community!
2. Housing Co-Op Bill Passes - Protecting Affordable Housing
- I presented another bipartisan bill on the floor this week!
- This one makes it easier to form housing cooperatives in Minnesota, an important tool for creating and preserving affordable housing. It will be especially helpful for manufactured home parks that want to create resident-owned co-ops when their parks sell.
- It passed 128-1!
3. Free Park Day - Explore Minnesota!
- Get your hiking boots ready — Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks!
- Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new!
- Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-2907. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris, District 32B
507 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155