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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL)

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Legislative Update- March 31, 2017

Friday, March 31, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

We are over half way through the 2017 legislative session and the House Majority has crafted their omnibus bills in each budget area.  As the DFL-Lead member on the Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee, I’d like to give an update on the House Majority’s Transportation plan for Minnesota. 

Transportation

Today, the House took up the Omnibus Transportation bill. The House Majority’s plan would:

  • Shift $450 million annually from the General Fund into a new account for road and bridge infrastructure projects;
  • Borrow $1 billion over four years and;
  • Enact a $75 annual surcharge on electric vehicles.

In total, $3.5 billion General Fund dollars would be used over ten years.  This is risky and costly because it prevents future Legislatures from using that same money for other budget items, such as education and health care. 

Our transportation system is crumbling and not meeting the current and future needs of Minnesotans. We need to create good jobs through multimodal projects that serve everyone no matter what type of transportation the use- walking, biking, driving or using a bus or train.

Additionally, 40% of Minnesotans don’t drive.  In one of the suburban cities I represent, 80% of households have one or no cars. This bill cuts 40% of the bus service in the metro area which includes our area.

We must create a transportation system that sets up Minnesota and Minnesotans for a prosperous future. We must have safe, efficient, and accessible transportation opportunities for all ages and abilities so Minnesotans have the freedom to move and live independently throughout their lives.

We need new, long-term, dedicated funding that doesn’t squeeze out our students, seniors, people with disabilities as well as our colleges, nursing homes and hospitals. We all need to create transparency and accountability. We need to maximize every dollar in fulfilling Minnesota's vision to create and maintain a multimodal transportation system that maximizes the health of people, the environment, and our economy.

Pro-Choice Day at the Capitol

Wednesday was Planned Parenthood’s advocacy day at the Capitol.  I, along with several of my colleagues and friends attended a #PinkOut rally in support of this great organization and all that they do to contribute to women’s reproductive health rights. 

House Image

Please always feel free to contact me with your comments, ideas and any way in which I can help you on state matters at 651-296-5510 or at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn.

Sincerely,

Connie Bernardy

State Representative