Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re pleased about the arrival of spring. It’s also what’s referred to as “deadline week” here at the legislature, as policy bills need to pass through all committees in either the House or Senate to remain alive for the session. Here’s an update from the Capitol.
Gov. Dayton releases budget
Last week, after delivering his final State of the State address, Governor Mark Dayton unveiled his supplemental budget proposal. The budget is largely focused on providing tax fairness for Minnesota families, increased investments in education – including school safety, funding to improve care for seniors, resources to end the opioid epidemic, and expanded quality health care options. It’s also a budget that is fiscally sustainable into the future which should give the next governor and legislature a good starting point.
The budget proposal also includes investments in transportation, clean water, and other improvements of state assets. Significantly, $25.7 million is included for grants to protect and improve our drinking water. These investments are in addition to his robust public works bonding proposal which was announced prior to session.
In the coming days and weeks, House committees will dive deep into the details, and the House and Senate will individually develop their own budgets.
MNLARS delayed
One bipartisan priority this session is to fix MNLARS, our state’s vehicle licensing and registration system. The new version of this system launched last year and had significant problems. These led to a terrible backlog for vehicle title processing, leaving Minnesotans waiting weeks upon weeks to receive them. I’ve heard frustration from many of you, of countless hours on the phone seeking help, and this is completely unacceptable. I’m committed to coming up with solutions.
On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed a bipartisan bill to continue funding these necessary fixes that Governor Dayton indicated he’d sign. Unfortunately, the House Republicans yesterday chose to pass a different version, further delaying needed action to get this system on track. A House/Senate conference committee must now meet to reconcile the differences. Minnesotans count on and should except such a fundamental function of government to work well, and this needs to get fixed soon.
The next generation of mining
Last week I introduced legislation to bring mining in Minnesota to the next generation. The bill, which will appropriate $2.5 million to the U of M’s Natural Resources Research Institute, will fund research to develop technologies enhancing the long-term viability of our state’s mining industry. Specifically, it targets dollars toward developing the next generation of hydrometallurgy technology which will support responsible, high-value mineral development. It will also protect our waters through researching methods to reduce sulfates. This is an exciting piece of legislation, with co-authorship spanning across the political spectrum and across the state which will boost our region’s chances for economic success well into the future.
Please continue to contact me with your feedback. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Jason Metsa
State Representative