Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Nick Zerwas (R)

Back to profile

Legislative Update (April 20, 2018)

Friday, April 20, 2018

Greetings,

Lake Orono Legislation

On Tuesday, I presented my legislation, HF2820, to the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. The bill funds $1.5 million – with a local match – for the city of Elk River to dredge Lake Orono.

Lake Orono is a staple of Elk River and desperately needs to be dredged for the first time in 20 years. The sediment in the lake originates upstream and well outside Elk River, so it makes sense for the state to help defray the costs to local taxpayers. I’m hopeful this bill will be included in a final bonding bill that’s signed by Governor Dayton.

Thank you to Elk River Stormwater Coordinator Brandon Wisner and Mayor John Dietz for joining me to testify in favor of the bill.

House Image

Final Bills        

With just over a month left in the legislative session, we’re putting together our larger bills in a number of subject areas. I was happy to see a number of my provisions included in these proposals. In the Health and Human Services omnibus is my bill to establish a grant program for existing or new mobile food shelves. This would help eliminate some of the barriers with traditional food shelves by allowing food to be delivered to those in need.

My legislation to increase penalties on those blocking highways, access to the airport, or transit is part of our public safety proposal. This bill always makes for lots of discussion, but to me it’s fairly common sense. Under current law, the act of blocking a highway is already a crime, my bill only increases the penalties. Nothing is being outlawed that isn’t already illegal. Infringing on others’ rights and putting public safety at risk is not covered under the First Amendment. Period.

New Firefighters

Congratulations to all 23 new firefighters representing eight different departments who graduated from the Elk River Fire Academy last evening! Thank you to all 23 of these heroes for their service to their communities.

Please Contact Me

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either rep.nick.zerwas@house.mn or 651-296-4237.

Sincerely,

House Image