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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
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HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW
I thought it would be helpful this week if I spent some time explaining the process of how a bill becomes law. Last week I had two bills that were approved by the Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. The first was for $450,000 in funding for the Shooting Star Trail bike trail and the second was $2 million in flood relief for the city of Austin. They both received a positive recommendation from the committee, which increases the likelihood they will survive the next step.
Both of these bills were referred to the Capital Investment Committee, where they will be considered as part of a larger bonding bill. Representative Dan Dorman (GOP-Albert Lea) chairs this committee, which hears all bonding requests. The bonding committee has the option of approving as is, modifying or removing the proposal from consideration.
The next hurdle is the Ways and Means Committee. Again, the legislation can be approved, modified or removed.
Finally, once the bill makes it through the Ways and Means Committee, it goes to the floor for a vote by the entire House. If passed, the bill will go into Conference Committee, where any differences between the House bill and Senate bill are worked out. Once this is done, the bill goes back to the floor for a final vote. At this stage, no further changes can be made, it is either a yes vote or a no vote. If passed, the bill becomes law unless vetoed by the Governor.
As you can see, while we have taken a very positive first step, we do have several hurdles to pass before either of these bills that will benefit our community becomes law. I will keep you posted on the progress we make along the way.
Also this week at the Capitol, the Minnesota Ambulance Association recognized the outstanding contribution of Diane Benson from Grand Meadow. Diane was honored as a recipient of the Star of Life award and was presented with a gold medal during ceremonies in St Paul. In addition to her tremendous contribution to the Grand Meadow EMT and ambulance service she also serves on the Frankford Township Board and is a board member for the Southeastern MN Regional EMS Program. This is a truly deserving award for Diane.
Finally, last Saturday Senator Dan Sparks and I held listening sessions in Grand Meadow, LeRoy and Austin. They were well attended and gave us plenty of information and points of view. Thanks to all of you who came, we appreciate your time and contributions. Clearly, there are a lot of concerns in our area about the Governor's budget proposal. Many in attendance do not believe that his plan will adequately support our schools, or provide the needed funds for health care, environmental concerns, or our highway problems, especially Hwy. 56. We will continue to get your input and work towards a budget that is good for all of us.
Please feel free to call or write if you have ideas or concerns you want to share about state or local issues. 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 rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn.
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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