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State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
Town meetings scheduled before start of 2006 Legislative session
The start of the 2006 Legislative session is quickly approaching. Unlike the 2005 session, which became long and challenging because of the difficult task of setting the state budget, on top of defining capital investment projects, this one is scheduled to last no more than twelve weeks.
The primary task before us this session is to pass a bonding bill, which will fund work and infrastructure projects throughout the state. Typically, a capital investment (bonding for projects) bill is passed every two years. However, because the state legislature failed to reach a bipartisan consensus in 2004, it became the responsibility of the 2005 legislature. The capital investment bill of 2005 was very good for our district, with all of our local projects receiving full funding, reaching a total of almost $11 million. A top priority for me was flood hazard mitigation and flood relief dollars, of which we received a total of $4 million, with money staying within our immediate region. Riverland Community College received $5.4 million to renovate their science labs and the Shooting Star Trail was designated for $450,000, which was enhanced by matching federal dollars. In addition, our district was awarded a share of the $23 million included for CREP funding.
Over the winter months, I have participated in tours, hearings and meetings to include our regional projects in the upcoming bonding bill. The Governor has released his bonding recommendations, which give an indication of his priorities. The House Capital Investment Committee, chaired by Rep. Dan Dorman (REP-Albert Lea), and the Senate committee, which is chaired by Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon) each will present their own bonding package. We expect to receive additional money for flood mitigation from the state, and will work to garner support for continued improvements at Riverland Communty College, as well as an extension of the Shooting Star Trail.
Of course, this session we will also consider a wide variety of policy issues. Some of the issues that have moved to the forefront are repaying the funding shifts to our local school districts, working to restore Local Government Aid, a comprehensive transportation package and allowing small employers to buy into MnCare. We may also hear legislation that will strengthen assessments of sex offenders, re-examine the uses of eminent domain and protect our citizens from identity theft.
As always, I am interested in hearing from you. Senator Dan Sparks (DFL-Albert Lea) and I have scheduled town meetings that I hope you will consider attending:
Riverland Community College, Rm. N104, East Building Sat., Feb. 11 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
St. Killian's Center in Wykoff Sat., Feb. 25 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
If you would like to participate in my online survey, please visit my website at http://www.house.mn/27B and click on "online survey".
As your representative, I will continue to work on your behalf, focusing on legislation that will improve our lives in meaningful ways that will allow each of us to live with dignity, self-respect and hope. It is an honor to represent you, and I look forward to your advice and suggestions as we move into the 2006 Legislative session.
I can be reached by phone at 1-888-682-3180 or 1-651-296-4193, by mail at 231 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at the above address. If you are interested in receiving my e-newsletter, please email me at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn and your name will be added to our list.
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
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