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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
Less Government Regulation Encourages Economic Growth
ST. PAUL – Reform initiatives are moving forward as we continue our work in St. Paul. Through legislation that cuts red tape, streamlines government, and reduces regulations, the Republican-led Legislature aims to empower private sector job creators and reinvigorate Minnesota’s business climate.
For my part, I have introduced two de-regulatory reforms that will help create economic opportunity. In both instances, I have achieved consensus with my colleagues across the aisle to secure bi-partisan support.
House File 389 protects private property rights by reining in government interference that stalls job creators who are trying to abide by the rules and do the right thing. Specifically, the bill would shield businesses and homeowners from the whims of anti-development rulemaking, such as interim ordinances that are often imposed to deter business expansion.
Discussion on this bill has generated a comprised consensus amendment that accommodates township concerns about the adequate balance between the rights of the property owner to use their land productively and the rights of neighbors to know what’s going on in the area. House File 389 is awaiting a hearing on the House floor.
House File 2169 is still in the process, and it reforms the way state agencies create and report rulemaking. The bill strengthens and clarifies the Legislature’s role in questioning rules that might be duplicative or have unintended consequences.
Minnesota cities and businesses alike are overwhelmed with constantly changing and burdensome rules developed by state agencies. For instance, a business needing to deal with storm water must seek the approval of three different state agencies, all which essentially do the same thing. We must hold to the same standards, but streamline the process to one agency.
At the end of the day, the Legislature’s prime concern is to provide our private sector job creators with a competitive business climate. That being said, we are not going to borrow our way to job creation. We will spend wisely so that we can benefit our society, and in the process, we will protect our environment and public safety.
Transportation
As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I am in the process of developing an omnibus transportation policy bill that combines the best pieces of legislation that pertain to transportation.
In addition, we have started the transportation bonding bill hearing process. We received testimony on 24 bills last week, and I anticipate we will hear another 25 bills in the coming two weeks. These pieces of legislation are aimed at actual, localized construction projects.
It is our committee’s goal to develop a bill that provides a smart investment and a more efficient transportation system for Minnesotans.
Highway 101
At the beginning of February, Senator Claire Robling and I hosted the Governor in Shakopee to discuss the Highway 101 river crossing. We outlined the need to raise it above the flood plane and the possibility of upgrading it to four lanes.
We received the Governor’s complete and enthusiastic support, and as it currently stands, Senator Robling and I are shepherding that project through the committee process.
2012 State of the State
As has been my custom since I’ve been elected to serve here, I always try to share the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the annual State of the State address. This year my guest was Shakopee’s new mayor, Brad Tabke. I enjoyed sharing the experience with him.
The Governor and I both agree that job creation is the number one priority for the Legislature this year. Although we have differing philosophies on how to catalyze economic recovery, I am confident we can reach consensus through candid conversation and common sense legislation.
As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns regarding the 2012 legislative session. I can be reached at 651-296-8872 or by e-mail at rep.mike.beard@house.mn.
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