Hello Friends,
This last Thursday we at the House presented our supplemental budget proposal. This budget cuts spending, and reallocates funds into our priorities for this session, which are transportation and taxes. A key feature of this proposal is that is keeps spending at a net-zero in all budget areas except transportation, which allows us to concentrate on using the $900 million in surplus dollars to build roads and bridges, and provide tax relief to Minnesotans. We are in a strong position going into negotiations with the Governor and Senate, and I will keep you updated as we move forward with this proposal.
I’d also like to highlight a couple of bonding proposals that will help transportation infrastructure in our area, in addition to the House’s $7 billion transportation proposal.
I am carrying a bonding proposal that would provide funding to build a rail overpass at Hanson Boulevard/ Hwy 78 in Coon Rapids. This overpass is a safety issue, as houses and city streets are so close to the rail road tracks, and need an extra degree of separation. In addition, there is no alternative route for emergency vehicles but to cross over the tracks, and they are blocked by the 110-car trains that run that stretch of track, creating possible life-and-death situations for people waiting for first responders, an ambulance, or the fire department. Earlier this month I had Mayor Jerry Koch, Fire Chief John Piper, County Commissioner Scott Schulte, and City Manager Matt Stemwedel join me in testifying to the Transportation Finance Committee in favor of this proposal.
A second bonding proposal that I am authoring would allocate $11.2 million in trunk highway bonds to build an interchange at Hwy 169 and 101st Avenue in Brooklyn Park. This will streamline traffic in the area and increase safety for drivers, and provide easy access for new development. This bill was also heard in the Transportation Policy Committee, and is being considered for the House’s final bonding proposal.
Also, as I've mentioned before, on March 10th the bonding proposal to restore the Champlin Mill Pond was heard in the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. The bill is currently “on the table” to be considered for inclusion in this year’s Capital Investment bill.
These bonding requests have bi-partisan support, and I am optimistic that they will be included in our final bonding bill.
As always, please feel free to contact my office at (651)296-5513, or email me at Rep.Mark.Uglem@house.com with any questions or concerns. I enjoy hearing from you, and will do my best to keep you up to date as session moves forward.
Sincerely,
Mark