Friends,
We are down to the final days of session. We must adjourn on Monday and have to pass bills out of both bodies by Sunday night. It's been a short session and a productive biennium. It could have been even better for the people of Minnesota if Governor Dayton would finally engage in meaningful negotiations. We have numerous issues important to Minnesotans that deserve direct talks instead of media events. I will keep you updated on our progress as we move forward.
Constitutional Amendment Roads & Bridge Funding
On Thursday, the passed proposed legislation on a bipartisan 76-54 vote that would constitutionally dedicate existing sales tax revenue from auto parts to statewide road and bridge construction. This would build on our historic transportation investments made during the 2017 session, all without raising taxes. If approved by the Minnesota House and Senate, voters would decide this November whether or not to redirect the already-collected sales taxes to road and bridge repair on state, county, township, city, and small-town projects.
Anyone who has driven on Minnesota's roads anywhere in this state knows we need to do a better job of taking care of them. This proposal has the support of a broad coalition of advocates that includes labor, business, agriculture, and transportation advocates. We believe the people of Minnesota should have a say in dedicating this funding to fix our roads and bridges. Without this proposed amendment, dollars that should go towards roads and bridges across the state often ends up going to build the latest light rail train or metro-focused project.
No signature by Governor Dayton is required to add this to the ballot in November; it is one of the few things we can do without his signature. I hope the Senate will take this up soon. It should be a no-brainer for them to pass. Video from my remarks on the floor about this debate is available here.
Quarantine Bill Passes House
State law currently has protections for an employee to not be fired or penalized if they are quarantined or put in isolation because of contracting a communicable disease. SF3102 extends those same protections to a parent caring for a child or someone who is responsible for the care of a person who is in isolation or quarantine. This bill passed both the House & Senate unanimously. Video of discussion on the House Floor is available here.
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts and ideas on issues important to you. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office anytime by calling (651) 296-9236, or share your thoughts via email by emailing me at rep.duane.quam@house.mn
Have a great weekend,
Duane