Dear Neighbors,
House committees remained busy this week, with today being the first committee deadline. Notably, these deadlines are in place to ensure bills are moving through the legislative process in a timely manner before we are constitutionally required to adjourn. This gives us time to debate bills and amend them before sending them to the governor, who may sign or veto them. You can learn more about committee deadlines here.
Additionally, with more than 2200 bills having already been introduced this session, I know there are many topics moving through the legislature that are not discussed in my legislative updates. If you have questions, ideas or input about initiatives moving through the legislative process, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Finally, if you have interest on any bills that I am authoring this year, you can track the status of legislation I am carrying here.
House File 1434
Last week, I talked about my bill that codifies a number of recommendations put forth by the non-partisan Office of the Legislative Auditor to increase transparency in the highway road construction project selection process by MnDOT. That bill is continuing to make its way through the committee process and received a hearing in the Transportation Finance Committee this week.
With important transportation needs in our district like Highway 10, and other project needs across the state, I think this is an important bill, and I am pleased it is continuing to advance.
House File 999
This week in the Property Taxes Committee, they heard my bill that will modify law for the Greens of Anoka Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Anoka by allowing it to complete development in eight years rather than five. It was laid over for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Tax Bill. I will keep you updated on its progress.
In a Property Tax Committee hearing this week
MSFA Reform
After misuse of two U.S. Bank Stadium suites by the governing body of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the House passed legislation this week that will increase oversight and accountability. Provisions in the bill reform the MSFA’s governance structure and limit the use of free suites at the Vikings Stadium as a way to stop these unethical violations from happening again.
House File 778 passed with bipartisan support, and I hope we can get it signed into law this year.
House File 1572
This session, I am also supporting a Republican-led bill moving through the House that will make Minnesota law stronger regarding criminal sexual conduct. House File 1572, authored by Rep. Matt Grossell, eliminates stays of imposition and adjudication for sex crimes, increases supervision post-incarceration for some crimes from ten years to life, and increases the length of punishment for those convicted of child pornography crimes.
This bill is about protecting the most vulnerable in our society, and stopping those who commit terrible crimes from doing so again.
Constituent Visits
With constituents at the Capitol for Catholics Day on the Hill--thanks for visiting!
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