Dear Neighbors,
The 2018 legislative session is less than one month away, starting on February 20. Next week I’m hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings to answer questions and gather input about the important issues to be discussed at the State Capitol. The meetings are free and open to everyone, and will be held at the following times, days, and locations:
BIGFORK TOWN HALL
What: Legislative Session Preview Town Hall
When: Monday, January 29th from 6-7:30pm
Where: Bigfork Valley Hospital, in the Board Room by the Commons Area
258 Pine Tree Drive
Bigfork, MN 56628
GOODLAND TOWN HALL
What: Legislative Session Preview Town Hall
When: Tuesday, January 30th from 6-7:30pm
Where: Goodland Community Center
13502 Community Center Road
Goodland, MN 55742
HIBBING TOWN HALL
What: Legislative Session Preview Town Hall
When: Wednesday, January 31st from 6-7:30pm
Where: Hibbing Memorial Building, in the Dining Room
400 East 23rd Street
Hibbing, MN 55746
When I have maximum feedback, I’m best able to advocate for those I have the honor to represent. I hope you can make plans to attend, but if you’re unable, I encourage you to stay in touch with me before, during, and after the session.
Public Works Improvements
Gov. Mark Dayton announced his public works bonding recommendations for the Minnesota Legislature to consider in the 2018 session. The package of recommendations, totaling $1.5 billion, makes significant investments in higher education facilities, clean water infrastructure, affordable housing and other public infrastructure across the state. Many of the recommendations are focused on maintenance and repairs of existing assets rather than new construction.
If fully enacted, the proposal is estimated to create over 22,000 jobs. With interest rates so low and the need so great for our communities, I’ll push for a robust bill to invest in these improvements across the state.
Sen. Smith visits the Range
One of the issues about which I will be renewing my efforts is broadband infrastructure. Earlier this month in Mountain Iron, I attended an event with new U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. Sen. Smith, formerly our Lt. Governor, has long advocated for the educational and economic opportunities that expanded high-speed internet access will bring to families in Greater Minnesota. It was great to welcome her to the Iron Range and I look forward to working alongside her to champion significant investments in broadband.
HPU “Restructuring”
In my update last month, I expressed frustration that the Hibbing Public Utilities Commission was set to downsize staff and increase rates. Such moves are completely unacceptable as the HPU is set to receive a windfall from Xcel Energy and the buyout of the Laurentian Energy Authority’s biomass production agreement. On Tuesday, I was proud to stand with the brothers and sisters of AFSCME Local 94 prior to the HPU Commission meeting for an informational picket in protest of these unfair, unsafe and unnecessary layoffs.
Events I Attended
Last week I attended the Iron Range Higher Education Commission (IRHEC) dinner at Mesabi Range College. We were honored to be joined by 30 community college personnel from around the country to help Iron Range Engineering formulate the next phase of that program’s growth. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with United Steelworkers Local 2660 in Keewatin and listen to concerns of members. I was also honored to recently attend and share some remarks at a meeting of the ABATE Up North Chapter, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Over the past month, I’ve met with many constituents to talk about various issues such as water quality, broadband, agriculture, and others. No matter which issues are important to you, I hope you will contact me with any ideas or input. Feel free to call or email me anytime; it’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative