Greetings Northlanders,
Our second deadline passes at midnight on Thursday, so when the Legislature returns from Easter break, we’ll have a full plate of bills to dig into before the end of session. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
State Employee Contracts
On Monday, the House voted to ratify the fairly negotiated contracts for more than 30,000 public employees. I was a co-author on this bill and, while it should have happened last year, I’m glad to finally have this done. The professionals who serve our communities and make our state a great place to live deserve to be treated fairly.
Additionally, a bill that reduces $6 billion in current and future costs by lowering state, school district, county, and city liabilities while securing the pensions of 500,000 former state employees also passed the Senate. I’m hoping we can approve it in the House and send it to Gov. Dayton’s desk as soon as possible.
Action on Bills
The Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee passed the LCCMR bill on to Ways and Means on Wednesday. I was successful in getting an amendment for $400,000 attached to the bill for wild rice enhancement and restoration.
Meetings at the Capitol
I had the opportunity to meet with a group of kids from Cook County to discuss their efforts in gathering support for smoking cessation bills last week.
I also met with the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and the Boys and Girls Club for their Days on the Hill.
On Wednesday, I met with Minnesotans visiting St. Paul for Trappers Day at the Capitol and with steelworkers from our great state. Thanks for stopping by.
If you have any ideas or input on legislative matters, please feel free to contact me at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative