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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jim Newberger (R)

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News from Rep. Jim Newberger 3-24-2016

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Hello Friends,

I thought I would give you an update on the last few weeks. This session is truly living up to predictions. We were told that it would be a "Fast and Furious" 10 weeks, and this has certainly been the case. We are now almost one-third done with session as we approach the Easter Holiday.
 
Statewide, House Republicans are focused on three major areas: tax relief, broadband expansion to Greater Minnesota, and fixing Minnesota's roads and bridges.
 
At this time, House Republicans are aggressively working to address these priorities and make them realities.
 
Last year, Governor Dayton rejected our tax and transportation bills. This was, in part, due to his insistence on a 16 cent per gallon gas tax increase. House Republicans stuck together, and defeated this tax increase. At this time, we are not hearing anything new about the gas tax. I don't expect it to reappear, but if it does, I will not support it.
 
On a personal note, I am currently working on several bills. All these can be accessed easily on my House of Representatives members page by clicking “bill chief authored” to the right of the screen.
 
 
I would like to highlight three specific bills that I have authored, and bring you up-to-speed on them.
 
1. Local Control Over Level 3 Sex Offender Placements
 
My bill, HF3260, would allow for local control as to WHERE Level 3 Sex Offenders could be placed in your community. Level 3 Sex Offenders are the most dangerous. Currently, many communities have passed ordinances to address this problem. They do not want to have these offenders placed "just anywhere" in their communities. Currently, state law does not support local communities in this endeavor. My Bill would allow, in statute, communities to have local control over this very important issue.
 
2. Legislative Approval for the State Implementation of the Federally Mandated "Clean Power Plan
 
This bill, HF333, will require the governor's office to gain legislative approval for any federally mandated plan before it is sent to the EPA for compliance. Currently, several state agencies are crafting a power plan that will affect every person in Minnesota. Once this plan is finished, the governor will send it to Washington D.C. in order to comply with the EPA. My bill gives you, the citizen, a voice in our future by allowing your elected representative, or senator, to vote to approve the plan before we comply with it.
 
As you know, the SCOTUS ruled to put the process for ALL state plans on hold until this issue is resolved in the courts. However, the Dayton Administration has decided to proceed anyway. My bill, HF333, is the last opportunity for Minnesota citizens to weigh in on this issue. HF333 has strong bipartisan support, and we expect to pass it in the house before the end of this session.
 
3. The New Becker Power Plant
 
My bill, HF2823, allows for the building of a new gas power plant in Becker, before Sherco Units 1 and 2 are shut down. Building the plant in Becker is the most cost effective location in the state, and our community will need the jobs and revenue it will create.
 
Right now the bill is moving through the House and Senate. One concern is that outside groups will attempt to hijack the bill as it goes through the Senate process by adding unrelated/ "pork filled," amendments. I hope this does not occur, because it could slow down, or stop, the bill for this year.
 
I will keep you informed as this bill works its way through the Minnesota House and Senate.
 
Finally, I would like to wish you all a very blessed and happy Easter holiday!
 
God's peace,
 
 
Jim