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

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Legislative Update - May 18, 2018

Friday, May 18, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

We’re entering the final weekend of the legislative session with a great deal of heavy lifting yet to do. A single House/Senate conference committee is ironing out details for every area of the state budget with Governor Dayton certainly weighing in as well. Other items, like protecting pensions for dedicated workers, stopping elder and vulnerable adult abuse, conforming our tax code to recent federal changes, and ending the opioid epidemic should have bipartisan consensus at this point, but those are still outstanding too. With the hours winding away, I’ll be working to make sure final legislation upholds our shared values and improves opportunities for families to succeed. Here’s an update from St. Paul.

Emergency School Aid

This week I joined educators, parents, and other Minnesotans for a rally in the Capitol Rotunda pushing for Gov. Dayton’s proposal for Emergency School Aid. This $138 million package would give a one-time, 2 percent increase to every school district in the state. Many of them, including those on the Iron Range, are facing budget shortfalls which will lead to teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and reduced program offerings.

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If we don't pass this, kids across the state will lose opportunities and their futures will be compromised. When districts are facing budget cuts, there are no good choices that benefit students. This shouldn't be happening, especially in a time of surplus. While time is running out, I remain hopeful we can deliver this aid to maintain our state’s tradition of excellent education.

Investments in Infrastructure

This week, the House passed a bill to invest $825 million in public infrastructure and other key assets through bonding. Our colleges and universities need upkeep, much of our wastewater infrastructure is aging, many of our bridges and dams are reaching the end of their useful lives, and other infrastructure in our communities is in need of renovation or replacement. Moreover, these projects create good-paying jobs while taking advantage of low interest rates.

The bonding bill which passed the House represented just over half the amount of investments Gov. Dayton had recommended prior to session. The Senate’s version of the bill this week failed to move forward because it didn’t have enough bipartisan support. We have the capacity to do so much more, and I’m committed to supporting a robust bonding bill to invest in our communities.

Hands-Free Effort Stalls

All session long, advocates have pushed legislation to require a hands-free device to talk on a cellphone while driving. Distracted driving results in 70 deaths annually in Minnesota. A couple of years ago, penalties for texting while driving were increased, and requiring cellphone use to be hands free is the next logical step in order to save lives on the road.

While the bill has passed all necessary committees with very little opposition, leadership in the House Majority hasn’t scheduled the bill for a vote. This week some of my colleagues attempted to bring it forward, but this effort was rejected on a party-line vote. This bill is a common-sense step forward for safety, and I’ve heard no good reason for a lack of action.

Please continue to keep in touch with your viewpoints. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Julie Sandstede

State Representative