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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL)

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News from the Capitol - April 28, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

There are just over three weeks left in the legislative session with Conference Committees continuing to meet. They are hashing out differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget bills. I’m serving on the Conference Committee for the Public Safety/Judiciary bill and there are some substantial differences between each version.

Today, leadership in the Republican leadership in House and Senate released their joint budget targets. These will dictate how much each budget area has available to invest or to cut. Unfortunately these numbers represent the wrong priorities for working families in Minnesota. Tax cuts for the wealthiest are again put ahead of the things that matter most, such as increased investments in our schools. I hope that in these final weeks we compromise to pass a state budget which increases opportunities for all Minnesotans.

National Drug Takeback Day

This session I’ve worked with Senator Eaton on policies to address our state’s opioid epidemic. There are many different strategies to address this. One of them is to require each county to offer a drop off site for unwanted prescription drugs. Highlighting this need tomorrow, April 29, is “National Drug Takeback Day.” Minnesotans can dispose of unwanted prescription medicine anonymously, and without consequence, for free at dozens of sites around the state.

Attorney General Lori Swanson and Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo and Senator Eaton have countless resources about opioid addiction at the website titled “Dose of Reality.” Sen. Chris Eaton has been a phenomenal champion on this issue. In our community, you or a family member can drop off unwanted drugs at either of these locations.

Brooklyn Center Police Department

6645 Humboldt Avenue North

Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Brooklyn Park Police Department - South Precinct

7608 Brooklyn Boulevard

Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

Bonding Bill

We are still waiting to see a proposed bonding bill this session. 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. Continued delays put these important projects on hold and as interest rates rise, the costs of these projects does too. Hopefully we can see a proposal from the House Majority soon so that the public can weigh in and we can take care of these crucial needs across the state.

Please keep in touch with your viewpoints on the important issues still left before the legislature. I hope you will feel free to call or email me anytime.

Sincerely,

Debra Hilstrom
State Representative