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

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Legislative Update - July 20, 2018

Friday, July 20, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

I hope summer is treating you well. Here in Minnesota, summer is truly something special, and provides us with many opportunities to get outside and enjoy everything our state has to offer with family and friends.

I want to thank everyone who attended my Town Hall Meetings this week in Hibbing and Togo at Carpenter Town Hall. It’s extremely beneficial to me as a legislator when I’m able to hear directly from constituents about the issues which impact them, and what matters to their families. I’m thankful to have the honor to represent such an engaged, informed, and passionate group of Minnesotans!
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There were a couple of pressing issues for many folks. First, people were interested in the ongoing situation concerning the Mesabi Metallics proposal at the former Essar Steel site. While mineral leases were reinstated for this project, ERP Iron Ore, owned by one of the partners of the Mesabi Metallics project, Tom Clarke, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. This means plans for the former Magnetation site are unlikely to move forward. It’s obvious there are a great deal of questions and controversy about this and I’ll continue closely monitoring the situation. If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out.

Constituents are also concerned about the condition of many of our roads and bridges throughout the district. Much of our transportation infrastructure is in poor condition and continues to deteriorate. I’ve had meetings with officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation concerning projects on the horizon. Clearly, our transportation needs aren’t being met and a comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding plan is long overdue.

I also brought a copy of the 2018 omnibus budget bill, dubbed “Omnibus Prime” by some. The House Majority put together this nearly-1,000 page bill in the final hours of the legislative session. While it included some bipartisan provisions, it contained too many controversial proposals to which Governor Dayton had voiced objections. Therefore, he had to veto the bill.

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Minnesotans deserve better than this! It’s regrettable that leadership in the House Majority wouldn’t give us an opportunity to come together to address many consensus issues, such as the opioid crisis, elder abuse, or school funding. I remain committed to producing thoughtful legislation through a deliberative process that won’t just mean success for legislators, but positive outcomes for citizens throughout the state.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual SOAR (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees) District 11 Picnic. This event provided a good opportunity to give members an update on what happened this past legislative session, as well as listen to their viewpoints and priorities for what they’d like to see occur down the road. Many of those in attendance also had concerns about mineral leases, the future of Medicare, and pensions. I thank them for inviting me.

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This summer and fall, I look forward to attending other events throughout the district. If you’d like me to attend a community event or a gathering of a civic organization, want me to visit your business, or would like to meet to discuss an issue important to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  
In closing, there is a rule prohibiting newsletters like this from going out after 60 days post-adjournment in an election year. Therefore, this will be my last email update until November. I still want to hear from you though, so feel free to call or email me with what’s on your mind, or if I can ever be of assistance on a state-level matter.

With warmth and appreciation for the opportunity to represent you at the State Capitol,

Julie Sandstede

State Representative