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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
OP/ED COLUMN
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Greetings everybody!
I hope that everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer. I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the news that has been coming from the Capitol in the quiet summer months. I wish you all a wonderful summer, and as always feel free to contact me with questions and comments you may have.
Take care,
Bob
Special Session?
There have been some media reports that Gov. Pawlenty was discussing the possibility of calling legislators back for a special session to finish some issues- mostly relating to the vetoed tax bill. These are only reports, and my understanding is that these talks have slowed over the past few weeks. Special sessions should be reserved for emergency and consensus items, and I do not feel that we are in need of a special session. For better or worse, the Legislature finished its work on time for the first time in years. Any remaining issues from last session can be acted upon when the Legislature re-convenes in February of 2008. I join most of my House Republican colleagues in urging Gov. Pawlenty to not call a special session.
Special Legislative Election Scheduled for August 7:
Gov. Pawlenty has called a special election for August 7 to fill the seat of former Speaker of the House Rep. Steve Sviggum. Steve will be resigning his seat to join Gov. Pawlenty's administration and lead the Department of Labor and Industry. During his 29 year legislative career, Steve has served as Minority Leader and as one of the longest tenured Speakers in the history of Minnesota. Speaker Sviggum is extremely well respected by members on both sides of the isle, and the loss of his experience and talents will surely be felt in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
On a more personal level, Steve was a key factor in recruiting me to run for elected office in the Minnesota House and I am very grateful for his support and for the wisdom he has shared with me. I had the privilege (and luck) of having my desk on the House floor near Steve's. I cannot tell you how much I have learned by watching and conversing with Steve during House floor proceedings. I will miss his wisdom, guidance, and friendship. The Department of Labor and Industry is gaining one of the finer public servants the Minnesota has had. Best of luck Steve!
Minnesota Troops Coming Home:
Over the next few weeks over 2,600 Minnesota National Guard Troops will be returning home from their tours of duty in Iraq. We most certainly owe these brave young men and women our sincerest thanks and gratitude for their commitment and service to our country. As we welcome them home to their families and friends, the transition back to civilian life can be difficult for some of these soldiers.
As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, a parent to two sons who have served, and veteran myself this issue is of particular importance to me. In preparation for the large number of troops returning home, the legislature passed a number of bills appropriating money for reintegration programs, veteran outreach programs, and the creation of a Minnesota GI bill that builds upon the federal GI bill and aims to help our vets continue their college education. These young men and women have put their lives on the line to serve our country, and they deserve our full support when the return home.
Dettmer on the Radio:
On July 24 I will join fellow Representative Laura Brod (R), New Prague on the Jason Lewis Show from 6 to 7pm. The program can be heard on KTLK 100.3 FM or online at http://www.ktlkfm.com/main.html . We will be discussing the legislative session along with a number of other topics ranging for our districts to state and national issues.
New Laws into effect:
The non-partisan House Information Services has compiled a list all laws that were passed last session. This information is posted on the Minnesota House website and can be viewed at: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/Newlaws2007-0.asp . This link will allow you to search for bills by subject area (such as: agriculture, education, taxes, etc*). As always, if you have any questions about a bill or law change please feel free to contact my office at anytime.
Bob Dettmer
State Representative, District 52A
News Items
- Memorial Day Message - (Posted: May 27 2013 2:18PM)
- Dettmer Statement on HF956 - Omnibus Energy Bill - (Posted: May 8 2013 3:10PM)
- Minneapolis Veterans Deserve Better - (Posted: May 3 2013 3:31PM)
- Archived News Items
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