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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dan Fabian (R)

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Capitol Update from Rep. Dan Fabian

Friday, March 10, 2017

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With Dave Doherty, President and COO of Digi-Key and Rick Trontvet, Vice President of Administration and Human Resources at Digi-Key Electronics

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Proud of Roseau resident Gabbie Johnson for singing the National Anthem at the Timberwolves game on Wednesday!

 

Dear Neighbors,

Today is the first committee deadline, and committees were busy at work this week hearing and passing bills. Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.

House File 434 Signed by Governor

On Monday, the House concurred on language to my bill, House File 434, sending it to Governor Dayton who signed it into law on Friday.

The bill allocates $5 million to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to create wetland bank service areas that are given as credits to local road authorities to offset “no net loss” requirements for any road projects that impact wetlands. This emergency funding allows BWSR to cover its obligations by purchasing credits from private wetland banks, so locally planned road construction projects can continue on-time when construction season begins later this spring.

Additionally, it was also amended to include funding for grants to the city of Madelia and Watonwan County in Southern Minnesota, after the community was devastated by a fire last year.

I am very pleased that both the House and Senate fast-tracked this bill so critical county and township road projects can begin on-time when construction season begins. This is a commonsense and needed bill that will ensure local transportation projects planned by local officials can move forward in the spring.

Reforming the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority

Also on Monday, the House passed a bill that will increase oversight and accountability within the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) after their leadership used Vikings Stadium suites to entertain friends, family and political allies. The bill reforms the MSFA’s governance structure and also limits the use of suites to marketing purposes.

Good governance starts with transparency and accountability to the citizens of Minnesota. This legislation is a step in the right direction and passed with strong bipartisan support.

Lands Omnibus Bill

A provision in the Lands Omnibus Bill authorizes Roseau County to sell 704 acres of state-owned consolidated conservation area lands either by public auction or direct sale. Roseau County and the DNR were able to negotiate this agreement and identify lands not needed by the state that could be sold.

What’s more, Roseau County is authorized to take certain sale costs from the proceeds, splitting the net proceeds evenly between the state and the county.  The local share of the revenue will go toward the county development fund, the general fund of the school district in which the lands are located, the county revenue fund, and the township road and bridge fund.

Returning more land to private ownership from state management is something I fully support, and I am pleased that Roseau County and the DNR were able to come to an agreement.

Congrats to the Northland Pioneers Women’s Basketball Team!

The NCTC Pioneers Women’s basketball team has advanced to the 2017 NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. I want to wish them the best in their first game against Anoka-Ramsey next week.

Good luck! We are cheering for you!

Follow me on Facebook!

To stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your State Capitol, feel free to “like” my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RepDanFabian.

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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!

Dan

**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A