Hello Northlanders!
Legislative action has ramped up again this week as we near our last committee deadline approaching on March 31. Our days are filled with constituent group visits, daytime and evening committee hearings and floor sessions.
I am concerned about how many bills are being hidden from the public until the last moments. Last year Speaker Kurt Daudt refused to reveal his bonding bill until 5 days before the end of session and didn’t give House members full details until the last few hours of session. Bonding bills are one of the most complicated pieces of legislation to pass because constitutionally it requires a three-fifths vote, which generally means strong bi-partisan support. Because of the difficulty, Governor Dayton released his bonding bill four months before the end of session so people could review all of the projects and work together towards compromise.
Unfortunately, Speaker Daudt seems to leave Minnesotans in the dark with all of his legislative proposals. We are halfway through session with very few details. I am beginning to worry that political stubbornness will lead to another chaotic end of session and potentially a lot of unfinished work. We cannot afford to have another year without a robust bonding bill which is why I am working with my Republican and Democratic House members to pass a bonding bill for all of Minnesota.
I was happy to meet with Heidi Omerza from the Ely City Council. It is always nice hearing from our local mayors and city council members because they have a different and important perspective on how to make Minnesota stronger.
I also met with some of our Soil and Water Conservation District officials. It is a long drive but it’s good to see them at the Capitol talking about their work.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the legislative session. Your feedback is helpful.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative