Rep. Kim Norton (25B) - Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
This is a friendly reminder that this Saturday, February 13, is my monthly “Second Saturday” coffee hour. I will be meeting those interested at Dunn Brothers Coffee (120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester) from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. With the legislative session set to start on March 8, this will be the last one of these listening sessions before the gavel falls. While I will continue to hold these throughout session, with the abbreviated length of this year’s session – just 10 weeks or so – things will be happening very quickly at the Capitol so from a timing standpoint, this will be a great opportunity to share your input. I hope you can make it, and that you will bring your comments and questions.
During this update I’d like to take an opportunity to discuss a few bills I have introduced which I hope can become law this year.
Nurse Compact Licensure
Earlier this week the Health and Human Services Reform Subcommittee on Licensing held an informational hearing on my bill, HF 220, which would make Minnesota part of an interstate nurse licensure compact. This has been a bipartisan, multiyear effort for me to pass this bill which, through a reciprocity agreement with other states, makes it easier for nurses from outside Minnesota to practice here while ensuring rigorous standards and patient safety.
Official action will need to be taken by the committee during session.
Ignition Interlock
Last year I introduced a proposal, HF 1112, to require those convicted of DWI to use ignition interlock system in order to be regain their driving privileges. These systems require a driver to blow into a device which will only allow a vehicle start if the presence of alcohol is not detected. 21 other states have similar laws which are aimed both at reducing recidivism and keeping drunk drivers off the road.
I have been working closely with MADD to make improvements to the bill and I’m hoping it will receive a committee hearing.
UMR Collegiate Recovery Pilot Program
HF 2547 would establish a Campus Collegiate Recovery Pilot Program at the University of Minnesota – Rochester. This program would provide structured support in the areas of academic, career, and financial counseling for students in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction as well as on-campus residential peer support, as well as other opportunities for leadership development and personal growth.
Such a program could have tremendous potential. The bill calls for a report to measure success of the program, and if this shows success, I anticipate this would open the door for similar initiatives at other campuses.
Parent PLUS Refinancing
Many of the best ideas for legislation don’t come from lobbyists or state agencies, but rather directly from constituents. One such bill I’m offering this session is HF 2546, which will expand Minnesota’s new program for student loan refinancing to apply to loans taken out by parents in certain emergency cases.
The bill stems from a local family which took out PLUS loans to finance a child’s higher education. Tragically, one of the parents passed away, and the resulting financial burden with a single income left the family simply unable to repay the loan under the original terms.
Allowing loan financing in emergency situations can lower payments significantly, and may prevent a family’s difficult situation from becoming even worse.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of assistance, or if you have any questions or input on legislative matters. I look forward to getting back to work with my colleagues in St. Paul one more time to work on wise policies improving the lives of all Minnesotans.
Best wishes,
Kim Norton
State Representative