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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL)

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Legislative Update- February 24, 2017

Friday, February 24, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well.  We are seeing a lot of legislative activity at the Capitol.  Next week, the February Budget Forecast will be released and we will have a clearer picture of Minnesota’s economic condition. Here is a Capitol update:

REAL ID

Yesterday, the House voted on HF 3, which will bring Minnesota in compliance with federal Real ID laws.  The current deadline for Minnesota to implement REAL ID is January 2018.  Passing legislation on this should have been fairly simple, however the House Majority has attached a separate provision regarding immigration. A bipartisan bill supported by the Senate GOP does not contain that language.

We are overdue in getting this issue resolved and a simple, stand-alone bill should have been the end result.

I-494/Hwy 62 Congestion Relief Study

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking for input from Minnesotans on the best ways to mitigate congestion and make improvements on Interstate 494 and Highway 62.  The survey is available online until March 3.

Veterans Legislation

We are indebted to our veterans, and I believe we can do more to improve the quality of life for our neighbors, family and friends who have served our nation.  Finding ways to increase access to mental health services is crucial.

This week I introduced a bill that would fund a grant to provide equine therapy to veterans suffering from trauma and PTSD. This is one small way we can help our vets adjust to home life after their dedicated service.

HF 1563 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Veterans Affairs Division on March 6.  I’ll continue to work hard with my House and Senate colleagues to advance this bill.  

Please feel free to contact me anytime.  I look forward to your input.

Sincerely,

Paul