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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Steve Green (R)

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Legislative Update (April 12, 2013)

Friday, April 12, 2013

Dear neighbor,

 

One of my goals serving you in St. Paul is to make sure your tax money is being spent in an efficient and effective manner. I’m happy to report that even as a member of the minority caucus in the House, I was able to get an amendment passed in committee to look out for taxpayer dollars. In Legacy Committee, I put forward an amendment that states that if the Office of the Legislative Auditor determines that a recipient of money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund has not complied with the laws and regulations required to use legacy funds, the recipient is not eligible for future funding until they demonstrate compliance. It’s one small step to make sure your money is not being wasted in St. Paul.

 

This week, House Democrats unveiled their $15.7 billion K-12 education omnibus bill. I’m concerned that this bill prioritizes funding new offices and centers over putting money into the classroom on student learning. For example, $4.5 million is proposed for so-called regional centers of excellence, $1 million for a School Climate Center, and an $884,000 increase in the Minnesota Department of Education Budget. I believe that money would be better spent directly on academic achievement. I’m hoping we can still work together to pass a K-12 education bill that has support from members across party lines and from all regions of the state.

 

The House DFL leadership also unveiled an $858 million bonding bill this week. Large bonding bills are generally done in even-numbered years at the legislature. Before the legislature even considers doing a bonding bill, we should have a budget agreement in place. If we do a bonding bill, it should focus exclusively on repairing roads, bridges, and infrastructure. I’m, however, supportive of a bonding bill for Capitol restoration. You can read more about the bonding proposal in the Grand Forks Herald. The story includes a photo of me in Capital Investment Committee.

 

I’m still monitoring the wolf hunt moratorium bill. It’s been moving through the committee process in the Senate, but it hasn’t been acted upon in the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. I continue to be opposed to this proposal and will keep you updated if it begins moving in the House.

I’m also keeping an eye on any gun control bills. As a strong Second Amendment supporter, I oppose restrictions on gun ownership for law-abiding citizens.

 

If you have not received a legislative survey from me, you can do so by going to my House web page, click the link under “Feedback Wanted” on the right side of the page.

 

As always, I can be reached via email at rep.steve.green@house.mn. To contact me by phone, call (651) 296-9918. Mail can be sent to Rep. Steve Green, 231 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Steve