Dear Neighbors,
There’s lots of good news to report this week. Between the funding of important projects in our area, to a new federal law that could save lives, to overcoming last weekend’s heat wave, it’s been a great few days. Before this weekend, here’s an update on what’s been happening.
Right To Try Legislation
This week, President Trump signed a bill called Right to Try. This is a nationwide bill similar to the one I passed in 2015 which allows terminally ill patients to access drugs and experimental treatments that have completed the first stage of FDA trials but have not received full approval for general use. This legislation will give hope to thousands of Americans who otherwise would have nowhere to turn, and I'm overjoyed that people across the nation will be given the same chance.
As someone who was born with a rare disease, I was extremely fortunate to make it through a number of surgeries, including an experimental surgery that was not yet approved in the US. This bill will give that same option to those who are terminally ill, potentially saving their lives.
I was honored and humbled to be invited to the bill signing ceremony in Washington DC with President Trump. It was such a surreal experience to be there for the signing, and to be recognized with other state leaders who’ve pushed Right to Try legislation.
Local Bonding Projects Signed into Law
On Wednesday, Governor Mark Dayton signed our bonding bill to fund various projects related to transportation, asset preservation, higher education, and veterans homes. While this bill will have a large statewide impact, it’ll also fund two big projects in our area. Because this will now be law, we’ll see $1 million for the Big Lake wastewater treatment plant and $1.5 million to dredge Lake Orono.
The funding of the Big Lake wastewater treatment plant and the Lake Orono dredging project in our bonding bill is great news for our area. Our local officials and residents have helped to push for these needed dollars, and I’m excited to see Governor Dayton sign our bill which will help our district and the state as a whole.
A critical part of the bill is $25 million to make safety improvements to Minnesota schools. Highlights from the bonding part of our legislation as presented to the governor also includes:
- $178 million asset preservation
- $123 million for water-related projects
- $20 million for flood work
- $208 million for higher education construction
- $541 million for transportation
- $32 million for veterans homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo
- $28 million for mental health crisis centers
After last week’s inexplicable vetoes by Dayton, I’m happy to see this bill signed into law to help our area and Minnesota as a whole.
Please Contact Me
As always, please reach out to my office if you need anything. I’ll be back in our area more now that’s session’s done, and hope we can find a time to meet.
Have a great weekend,
