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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 28th, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

We have fewer than four weeks left in the legislative session before our constitutional 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 proposals. I’ve been sitting in on the conference meetings for committees that I have served on: Education Innovation Policy, Agriculture Policy and State Government Finance Committees. 

Here is an update:

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.  

Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government
I have been assigned to this select committee and look forward to partnering with members of the public to identify how state and local government can provide easy-to-use, technologically-safe interfaces for Minnesotans. Anytime we can make government more effective and streamlined for people, that's a good thing. I look forward to working on the select committee to not only make government more consumer-friendly, but look for advances that meet future needs and budgets. The lead agency is our government technology service, MN.IT and we’ll be will seeking input from Minnesotans across the state including persons relying on state income or health supports, businesses using the state’s Revenue Department systems, drivers needing licenses or vehicle title transfers, students and their parents.

 

 

 

Planning a camping trip but not sure which state park has cabins or showers? Take a virtual walk through a forest? Have you heard about the DNR Fish Cam? Need to check the traffic, the outside air quality or apply for a state job?   Minnesota has a one stop online resource to all of these and more!  Click here to access apps and resources galore!

Building and infrastructure bill
This past Tuesday, I joined 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 will continue to promote the creation of clean energy options, especially solar business in our state.

 

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Among the many concerns I have heard from constituents is the need to dispose of prescription medicines in a safe manner. 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.
 

 


Congratulations to Spring Lake Park High School sophomore, Ananda Patel, who was named president-elect for the state FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America ) organization, which means she will be president her senior year. Ananda spent a day shadowing me here at the Capitol where she had a bird’s eye view of the going-ons of the legislature.
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As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein