Dear Neighbors,
This week the House began passing our budget omnibus bills. Included in that legislation is $1.35 billion in meaningful, middle-class tax relief for folks across our state; $1.1 billion in new funding for education; transportation investments that focus on roads and bridges without a harmful gas tax increase; and my bill—the Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus Bill.
When crafting this legislation, I looked to protect our state’s taxpayers, the environment, and recreational activities while continuing my efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens that affect communities, businesses and average citizens across the state.
Key commonsense provisions in the bill include major reforms that will add transparency and accountability to the funding process of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA); reforms to the permitting process of the DNR and MPCA to ensure agencies abide by the longstanding rulemaking process and don’t overstep their authority; and reforms to Environmental Quality Board appointments to give a greater voice to Greater Minnesota.
Valuing forestry and the timber industry and recognizing the increasing demand for timber in Minnesota, we funded the Sustainable Timber Harvest Analysis to modernize the planting and populating process for forests, as well as funded the Next Generation Core Forestry Data Systems to help maximize production and protection of our forests.
For folks who hunt in Minnesota, the bill allows scopes to be used on muzzleloaders and prohibits the DNR from further restricting the use of lead shot. To protect our wildlife, we also raise the penalties for those who are chronic and excessive poachers.
What’s more, we have important provisions in there for counties impacted by re-permitting of demolition landfills, and work to expedite exchanges on School Trust Lands that will benefit local school districts across the state.
Overall, I think this is a strong bill that protects our environment and makes commonsense changes that better serves our state, counties, communities and citizens.
Town Hall Schedule
I will be hosting three town halls next month in our district. These community meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet with folks in our area and hear about their priorities. As we work to provide middle-class tax relief, fund our schools, reduce burdensome regulations and lower the cost of health care, the input from constituents in Northwest Minnesota is invaluable.
I will also be traveling to the Northwest Angle with Rep. Matt Grossell to visit with folks regarding the Angle School and other issues. Stay tuned for the date and time.
I encourage folks to attend and hope to see you there!
Here is the schedule
Roseau Town Hall
Where: Roseau City Center, Council Chambers, 121 Center Street East, Suite 201
When: Monday, April 10, 2017
Time: 8:00 AM
Karlstad Town Hall
Where: Karlstad Community Center, 104 1st Street South, Suite 100
When: Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM
Thief River Falls Town Hall
Where: City Hall, Council Chambers, 405 Third Street East
When: Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Time: 11:30 AM
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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