Dear Neighbors,
We have less than four weeks left in the legislative session before adjournment on May 22. We’re spending less time on the House Floor and in committee to allow time for conference committees to meet and iron out differences between House and Senate final budget bills. Speaker Daudt wants to bypass this necessary negotiation process among the Legislature to put pressure on Governor Dayton, who has already outlined his budget priorities months ago. You can read the letter he recently sent to Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Gazelka here.
Here is an update from the Capitol:
Building and infrastructure bill
Yesterday I supported my House DFL colleagues pushing for passage of a bonding bill. Bonding invests in needed infrastructure improvements throughout Minnesota. These projects include things like repair and replacement of crumbling bridges, upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, and rail safety improvements. Last year, House Republicans introduced a failed bonding proposal at the last minute, putting these projects on hold and costing Minnesotans millions. It has been several years since a large bonding bill was passed, and as interest rates rise, the costs of these projects does too.
Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol
Clean energy businesses and advocates lobbied the legislature on Tuesday in the wake of the House Republican plan to roll back Minnesota’s progress in building a clean energy economy. In addition to fighting for the progress we’ve made toward more renewable energy, they are working for an increase in the state’s renewable energy standard from 25% in 2025 to 50% in 2030. Clean energy businesses are located across the state, and their employees make on average $71,000, 42 percent higher than the state average. This is a growing field with numerous opportunities in Minnesota and across the country. I’ll continue to promote the creation and expansion of wind and solar business in our state.
Conference Committees
Conference committees are deliberating differences between House and Senate versions of the major budget bills. If you would like to learn which members are serving on the conference committees and follow their progress, click HERE.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Minnesotans can dispose of unwanted prescription medicine anonymously and for free this Saturday at dozens of sites around the state. To find a site near you click on Dose of Reality webpage on the Minnesota Attorney General’s website.
Please let me know if I can be of assistance on any matter. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative