Dear Neighbors,
It’s been another busy week at the Capitol. Committees are hard-at-work, and we are still in the process of introducing and signing onto bills.
House File 1044
This week, I introduced legislation to appropriate $20 million for the construction of a highway-rail grade separation at the intersection of Highway 47/Ferry Street and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing in Anoka.
This project is incredibly important to our community, though after last week’s meeting held by MnDOT to discuss the mobility needs along this busy thoroughfare, I know there are still a lot of concerns regarding the exact plans (for example, whether or not the state would add a light to the intersection of McKinley and Highway 47).
I am hopeful we can get this legislation passed this year as it is such an important safety issue --with thousands of cars and as many as 80 trains passing through there each day, we want to ensure it is safe for commuters and families.
The bill has been referred to the Transportation Finance Committee. I will keep you updated on House File 1044’s progress this session.
Floor Bills
A number of bills moved off the House Floor this week. Here are the bills that passed this week:
House File 14
On Monday, the House passed legislation to replenish funds for the Rural Finance Authority Loan Program. The RFA partners with agriculture lenders to provide low-cost financing to farmers looking to start a farm, expand their livestock or repair expensive farm equipment, for example. This public-private program has been successful over the years, but expired at the end of 2016.
House File 113
Passed on Thursday, this bill will facilitate the building of a natural-gas fired power plant in Becker, replacing two coal-fired units that are slated to shut down. Passing this bill will help reduce emissions and keep jobs in Central Minnesota. You can learn more about this bill in this video: http://bit.ly/2kQcV7P
House File 234
Also passed on Thursday, this legislation clarifies regulations of consumer-owned utilities including rural electric cooperatives and municipal electric utilities. From reducing unnecessary, burdensome regulations to protecting ratepayers, this bill works to make energy more affordable for Minnesotans.
House File 235
Finally, House File 235 passed on Thursday with bipartisan support. Notably, DFL-Rep. Jason Metsa stated, "The intent of Made in Minnesota was not met to where it should have been...We have the opportunity to admit mistakes when we make them.”
The bill repeals the Made in Minnesota solar energy subsidy that is heavily subsidized by Xcel Energy ratepayers, benefiting very few Minnesotans. The bill also takes Legislative Auditor recommendations and transfers the Renewable Development Fund from Xcel Energy to the state of Minnesota for greater transparency.
Going forward, that dedicated fund will be re-invested into more cost-effective and innovative alternative energy options that work for our state.
MSFA Audit
Earlier this week, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released their report about the use of two suites in our taxpayer-funded U.S. Bank Stadium by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA).
In the report, the OLA stated that the commissioners and executive director violated core ethical principles in giving free tickets to family and friends. They also did not find any logic to support MSFA’s claim that it needs access to two suites instead of one.
The report concluded that MSFA failed to comply with state law by not maintaining records of who received tickets to the stadium suites, and the OLA recommended that the legislature exercise greater control over the MSFA going forward.
House Republicans are spearheading significant reforms to ensure accountability to the legislature and taxpayers this session. You can learn more about the bill that will improve MSFA oversight and accountability in a video here: http://bit.ly/2kbv6HO
Student Loan Debt Bill
After graduation, many students find themselves struggling to budget and afford student loan debt. This week, I signed onto bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Barb Haley that will provide grants to nonprofit organizations that help Minnesotans understand their student loan debt, provide counseling, and help with budgeting and loan repayment plans.
These resources can help reduce the number of Minnesotans defaulting on their loans and help people get a better handle on their finances after graduation.
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail