Hello Northlanders!
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.
Here is a quick update from the district and the Capitol.
I had the pleasure of attending the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Trails End Chapter event last Friday where my friend, Leroy Kelly, was given the Trails End Chapter Sportsman of the Year award. It was a great event and I am happy to have so many active members in our community.
Pictured here are Leroy Kelly, TEC Sportsman of the Year award recipient; Bob Lessard; Scott Foley, MDHA Regional Director; myself; Angie Forconi, MDHA Chapter Coordinator; Bob Anderson, Mayor-International Falls; Craig Bernath, Trails End Chapter; and Joe Duggan.
Building and Infrastructure Bill
Tuesday, 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, upgrades at state parks, expanding the International Falls airport, improving 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 rise as well.
Conference Committees
Conference committees are deliberating differences between House and Senate versions of the major budget bills. I mentioned last week that I am one of the members negotiating the environment budget bill. I have many concerns about some of the provisions being considered. I am doing what I can to improve the legislation and am hopeful several provisions beneficial to our community will earn bi-partisan support from the conferees and the Governor. But it is still early in the negotiations and we have yet to receive a budget target, which will be the major point of contention. 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.
Contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative