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State Representative Tim Sanders
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4226
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
GUEST COLUMN
EMAIL UPDATE: APRIL 3, 2009
Friends and Neighbors,
There is some exciting news coming from the State Senate today that I wanted to share with you.
In this issue:
1. Nuclear Power Makes A Comeback
2. Sales Of Gasoline Can Continue
3. More Money For Transportation
1. Nuclear Power Makes A Comeback
The Senate yesterday passed an amendment that would clear the way for building new nuclear power plants in Minnesota. Currently there is a ban on construction of nuclear power plants. The results of my recent Legislative Survey show that 70% of people are in favor of removing that ban.
Even though the Senate has passed this amendment it still has a long ways to travel before becoming law. This is one issue that I am interested in and will be tracking throughout session. I will let you know more information on it as it happens.
2. Sales Of Gasoline Can Continue
My Bill, HF 1615 and its companion bill SF 743, passed out of committee this week. This bill makes technical changes to update ASTM motor fuel specifications for the purpose of regulation by the Department of Commerce Weights and Measures Division. ASTM specifications are developed by ASTM International, formerly named American Society for Testing and Materials. The statutory references to ASTM specification designations need occasional updating to match updates made by the organization. Basically it means that the sale of gasoline can continue in Minnesota.
The bill was placed on the House Consent calendar, and will be voted upon in the coming days.
3. More Money For Transportation
Signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and effective today, a new law will create a standing appropriation for MnDOT to spend any initial or future funds (which are expected to range in the hundreds of millions). The law expires June 30, 2013. While there used to be legislative approval required for spending, the new law allows MnDOT officials to spend stimulus money when the Legislature is out of session. Also, it will require compliance with all federal requirements for aid; and requires officials to utilize all funding; permits are no more than 17 percent of funds for program delivery; and eliminates the state match for aeronautics projects. Current state law requires a 20 percent local match for aeronautic projects.
That is all for now. Just a reminder, you can find my latest news columns on my website www.house.mn/51A. There you will also find Audio Commentary on the issues. If you use iTunes you can subscribe to my podcast in iTunes. Just search “Rep. Tim Sanders” in the iTunes store.
As always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have on legislative issues.
Until next time,
Tim
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Survey Results - (Posted: May 14 2013 10:16AM)
- Legislative Update from Rep. Sanders - (Posted: Mar 14 2013 12:00AM)
- Budget Outlook Improves - (Posted: Mar 1 2013 5:38PM)
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