Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Sulfate ALJ Ruling
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) disastrous sulfate wild rice rule was pummeled again in a recent review by Chief Administrative Law Judge Tammy Pust. The Office of Administrative Hearings had previously rejected the rule as proposed, instructing the MPCA to provide further justification and detail. After reviewing the amendments which were submitted, the Chief ALJ still found MPCA's plan lacking in substance.
For over a decade, countless dollars have been wasted by the MPCA trying to update this outdated standard as mandated by the Legislature. The ALJ ruled that if MPCA wishes to move forward without addressing and correcting the defects in the rule, they must: "...submit the proposed rule to the Legislative Coordinating Commission and to the legislative policy committees with primary jurisdiction over state governmental operations for advice and comment. The Agency may not adopt the rule until it has either: received and considered the advice of the commission and committees; or 60 days have passed following the Agency’s submission of the rule to the commission and committees.”
This is an important ruling that pushes back against the faulty rulemaking process done by the MPCA. As the Legislature, we have worked year after year to empower the MPCA to modify the outdated 10mg/L sulfate standard, which has done nothing to protect wild rice and could have significant costs to municipalities and employers in Greater Minnesota.
Supreme Court Rules against Auditor Otto
Some great news this week from the Minnesota Supreme Court, as they unanimously ruled against Auditor Rebecca Otto in her lawsuit against several Minnesota counties. The lawsuit was over the constitutionality of a 2015 law that allowed counties to contract with private CPA firms to conduct audits. I think it’s important to note that law had broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Dayton.
Her frivolous lawsuit has needlessly cost taxpayers, and I am pleased at the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Update on Environment
This week we reached the third committee deadline, and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee put together a legislative package that addresses a number of important issues including Chronic Wasting Disease, ATVs, permitting, and more.
I will share more details soon on these and other bills as they move to the House Floor for a full vote.
Governor Dayton’s Tax Increase
A new analysis done by Governor Dayton’s own Department of Revenue found that his budget proposals would raise taxes on Minnesotans of every income level, making our tax code more regressive. Worse still, folks making less than $32,000 per year would be hit the hardest. His proposal calls for reinstating more than $1 billion in health care tax increases, repealing tax reductions enacted last session, and more.
House Republicans are working on finalizing our federal conformity tax bill, and our goal remains on returning the surplus to Minnesotans through tax relief, holding as many folks harmless as possible as we conform to federal tax code, and ensuring hardworking taxpayers can take full advantage of state and federal tax relief.
Veterans Homes
A proposal moving in the House State Government Finance Committee would use excess funds from the Vikings Stadium Reserve Account, and put it toward building three new critically-needed veterans homes in Greater Minnesota. The new homes would be built in Preston, Bemidji and Montevideo.
Currently, the Vikings stadium reserve has an excess balance of $58 million and is expected to grow to $120 million by FY 2021. House Republicans are committed to working for our servicemen and women, and I think this is a commonsense proposal that meets a real need for Minnesota veterans and their families.
Open House Meetings Hosted by Enbridge
Enbridge is hosting Community Open Houses to share pipeline safety information with the community next week.
Here are the details:
Tuesday, April 24 from 6:00-8:00 pm; the Station-Hallock Senior Citizens Center, 210 2nd Street SW, Hallock, MN.
Wednesday, April 25 from 6:00-8:00 pm; Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Imperial Room, 525 Brooks Ave, Thief River Falls, MN.
Thursday, April 26 from 6:00-8:00 pm; Clearbrook City Hall and Community Center, 200 Elm St SW, Clearbrook, MN.
Helping Our Local Deputy Registrars
Yesterday, the House passed legislation with broad bipartisan support that provides $9 million in aid to deputy registrars. The one-time appropriation comes from the Driver Services Operations Special Revenue Fund, protecting taxpayers. This is needed to help offset the numerous costs they’ve been hit with since our failing licensing system, MNLARS, launched last summer.
MNLARS has been devastating to many of these local businesses, which are critical in Greater Minnesota. I am pleased we were able to garner such strong support from folks on both sides of the aisle to pass this bill. It now heads to the Senate for approval.
At the Capitol
The NCAA Men’s Hockey Champion UMD Bulldogs were at the Capitol. Pictured with A.D. Josh Berlo and Head Coach Scott Sandelin. Congratulations!
The TRF Chamber stopped by the Capitol. Pictured with Mayor Brian Holmer, Rich Trontvet, Joseph Hage, Tom Greelis, Scott Greelis, Ryan Walsek, Steve Lillestol and Dave Beito
With Lon Aune
With Michelle Broadrick
With Kathleen Herring of Newfolden and Jay Lieu, an exchange student from China
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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
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