Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- I-94/Brockton Avenue Interchange Receives Critical Funding
- Stadium Suites and MSFA Audit
- Energy Bills
- Thunder Chickens Go to State
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
I-94/Brockton Avenue Interchange Receives Critical Funding
This week brought very positive news that the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) has allocated $7 million to the Brockton Lane interchange project. This award – the highest that could be granted under the program – provides a huge boost to this critical highway infrastructure improvement.
The estimated total cost of the Brockton Lane interchange is $34 million. This $7 million appropriation, coupled with $1.5 million commitment by the city of Rogers, and a required 20-30% match by the city of Dayton moves the project much closer to being funded, and provides momentum to receive additional state and federal funds.
In addition, I will continue to work for passage of HF 228, my bill to secure additional state funds for the construction of this much-needed interchange. We are making solid progress and I will keep you informed of future developments.
Stadium Suites and MSFA Audit
On Tuesday, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor released their recommendations after an investigation into the use of stadium suites by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA). You may recall the news stories that came out late last year about how the MSFA gave tickets to friends, family and politicians.
In the report, the Legislative Auditor found that the MSFA’s commissioners and executives Michelle Kelm-Helgen and Ted Mondale violated core ethical principles by providing free tickets and perks to family members and political friends. They also failed to comply with state law by not maintaining a record of who received tickets to U.S. Bank Stadium. What’s more, they rejected the claim that MSFA needs access and use of two suites at the Viking’s Stadium.
After their review, the Legislative Auditor recommended that the legislature exercise stronger control of the MSFA, especially with the use of complimentary tickets to stadium events. House Republicans under the direction of State Rep. Sarah Anderson of Plymouth are already making strides toward that goal, spearheading legislation that will reform the MSFA and make it more accountable to Minnesota taxpayers.
Energy Bills
On Thursday, the House passed three bills that help pave the way for more cost-effective and innovative energy investments in our state, as well as make energy sources more affordable for Minnesotans and help maintain energy stability in our state.
The first bill will help facilitate the building of a natural gas-fired power plant at the Sherco site in Becker, to replace the two coal-fired units that are set to shut down. This bill will keep jobs in Central Minnesota and help reduce emissions. Governor Dayton has indicated support for this legislation.
The next bill clarifies regulation of consumer-owned utilities, removing unnecessary regulations and giving more power to co-op shareholders, members and ratepayers.
The final bill repeals the so-called “Made in Minnesota” subsidy for certain solar energy manufacturers passed in 2013, following nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor recommendations that funding be transferred from Xcel Energy to the state treasury. This will increase accountability to Minnesotans, better invest ratepayer dollars in cleaner and more cost-effective alternative energy sources, and help ratepayers save significant money going forward.
Go Thunder Chickens!
Best wishes to the Rogers Thunder Chickens, a robotics team composed of students from Rogers Middle School and Rogers High School, who will be competing in the state robotics tournament today and tomorrow. According to the FIRST Robotics website, robotics “combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.” Congratulations and best wishes to the Thunder Chickens at the state tournament!
Community Events
The Dayton Knights of Columbus are hosting a free will offering breakfast buffet this Sunday in the social hall at St. John the Baptist Church in Dayton. The breakfast will be served from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and includes pancakes and French toast, grilled pork roast and pork sausages, fresh scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and grilled sliced potatoes. You won’t go away hungry! 18380 Columbus St. Dayton.
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s MinnTriv Question. The question was: This “sweet-toothed” Minnesotan was born in 1882. Name this famous entrepreneur, and the product(s) which made him famous. The answer was Franklin Mars and the Milky Way Bar.
Congratulations to Jim Reader from Hamel who had the first correct response!
Here is this week’s question: What rare phenomenon occurred in Minnesota in April of 2011, and where did it occur?
Respond to this email with your answer, and you could be featured in next week’s email update!
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A