Health and Human Services Finance Committee Chair, Matt Dean, Joined me last week as we visited with a number of local hospitals. Thank you Chair Dean for visiting!
Dear Neighbors,
Last week, the House Capital Investment Committee visited Breckenridge to tour the city’s water treatment facility. The tour was part of a broader presentation to bonding committee members regarding funds that are being requested to build a new water treatment facility outside town, just south of Twin Town Villa Assisted Living, along Highway 75.
I was pleased to join Mayor Cliff Barth and city staff on this tour as we discussed the issues facing our current water treatment facility with the committee. I introduced a bill last January that would allocate bonding funds for this project and I am hopeful that the Capital Investment Committee will include this important project in next year’s bill.
Broadband Grant Applications
I am encouraging cities, counties, businesses, non-profits, and other eligible applicants to consider applying for a grant to continue the expansion of Minnesota's broadband infrastructure. Applications must be received by 4:00PM on September 15, 2015. The grants are available as a part of a $10.58 million Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton in June.
Eligible applicants include incorporated businesses or partnerships, political subdivisions, Indian tribes, Minnesota non-profits, cooperative associations and limited liability corporations. Broadband projects must be located in unserved or underserved areas. Details on the application process can be found here.
It is my hope that these grant monies can also serve to spur more private sector broadband investment to grow and further develop the economy of Greater Minnesota. In that way, we can build on these taxpayer-financed investments as we continue to look for ways to increase jobs and economic opportunity in our rural communities.
News Laws Go Into Effect
August 1st marked the enactment date for a number of new laws that were passed by the legislature this year.
New laws include:
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Increased penalties for texting while driving
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New family law reform measures that update child custody standards for children of parents who are not or are no longer married
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Clarification of our right to carry a firearm law to permit Minnesota law enforcement officers to recognize right to carry permits from other states that were issued under laws similar to Minnesota's law
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The “Right to Try Act” that provides terminally ill patients the option of try certain experimental treatments as a last resort
You can read more about all of the new laws effective August 1 by clicking here.
Staying in Touch
As always, please feel free to contact my office by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn to discuss any questions you may have regarding state government. I would love to speak with you about ways we can make Minnesota better. It is an honor and privilege to represent you and your family. I am here to be YOUR voice in St. Paul.
Jeff