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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL)

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Legislative Update - February 22, 2018

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

The 2018 legislative session got underway at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Our to-do list continues to grow, with major issues on the agenda in a relatively abbreviated session. I’m hopeful we can pass a robust public works bonding bill, full of investments in key state infrastructure across Minnesota. We’ll also need to tackle the recently passed federal tax bill, and consider if and how we should conform Minnesota’s tax code to that version. Our opioid epidemic and cases of abuses of seniors in our care facilities also will deserve attention and bold action this session.

For my part, I’m committed to working every day so every student has access to quality education, people can find jobs that provide good pay for hard work, and our seniors have a secure and dignified retirement. Here’s an update on some of my recent activities up in the district.

PolyMet Public Hearing

On February 7, I joined over 400 other folks at Mesabi East High School in Aurora for a public hearing hosted by the MPCA and DNR on the draft permits for PolyMet. I shared my support for this overdue opportunity to create good-paying jobs here on the Iron Range, responsibly mining materials each of us use in products throughout our day-to-day lives. We can accomplish this in a way that protects our natural resources, like clean water, putting conservation principles hand-in-hand with economic opportunity.

 

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Considering sound science and the research to this point, all indications point toward this project receiving regulatory approval. I hope the official green light can be given soon so we can realize the exciting benefits this will bring to the region.

Engineering Professionalism Conference

Itasca Community College, Hibbing Community College, and Mesabi Range College’s engineering programs recently held a Professionalism Conference at HCC. The purpose of the conference, attended by more than 200 students, was to highlight how students can find real solutions to contemporary issues in society once they graduate. For example, the students heard about how engineers were able to offer unique solutions to clean up the BP oil spill, and discussed the emerging topic of how automation will affect jobs going forward.

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I was honored to share some remarks with the group, discussing how my legislative efforts on one emerging issue – broadband access – can create job opportunities across many sectors including for engineers. These engineering programs represent a critical component of higher education in our region, preparing young people for a wide range of careers. I thank the students and Christine Kennedy, Director of Iron Range Engineering, for having me.

Town Hall Meetings

I want to thank those who attended the Town Hall Meetings I hosted in Bigfork, Goodland, and Hibbing earlier this month. I’m lucky to have such engaged constituents, and I appreciate the good feedback and questions. The dialogue shouldn’t end with these meetings, though. Please stay call or email me throughout the session with any ideas, questions or feedback. With maximum input from the communities I have the opportunity to represent, I’m most effectively able to advocate for you at the Capitol. It’s an honor to serve, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Julie Sandstede

State Representative