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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ben Lien (DFL)

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Rep. Ben Lien - E-Update - February 12, 2013

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Greetings from the Floor,

The Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee began hearings this week on the gun control bills that were introduced. Folks were lined up to get into the hearing rooms while others filled the overflow rooms. I think the most important thing to remember about this issue is that the bills initially introduced may be completely different than what comes out of the committees (if any bills indeed are voted out of the committees and onto the House floor). I am committed to preserving the rights of folks to own guns for personal protection and recreation while taking measures to keep guns out of the hands of people who may use them for illegal and socially destructive purposes. I believe the Second Amendment must be defended when we consider legislation to protect society from heinous acts. By all means I encourage folks to continue contacting me with their thoughts and concerns on this issue; however, I think it is important for all of us to not jump to any conclusions about what could happen before we know what the final bills are that the Legislature may debate.

The governor delivered his State of the State address to the full Legislature on Wednesday night.  He focused his speech on the current state of affairs for Minnesota, his vision for the state and how he intends to get there. He highlighted heavy investments in education, reforms in health care and his overall budgetary goals and formula. He also did a couple of things that I thought were very encouraging and big.  He asked all of us to bring our ideas to him as the budgetary process continues. He opened the door and invited folks to bring their thoughts and input on how to create a better State of Minnesota (he went so far as to give out his home and work numbers … something he’s become accustomed to doing). He then challenged the Legislature to use the session next year to reduce overburdening and redundant legislation. He referred to next year’s session as the “Unsession” and suggested we look at real governmental reform to make government easier for folks to work with. I continue to commend Governor Dayton for looking outside of traditional approaches to government and taking every measure possible to include everyone in the legislative process.

I have continued to work on bills specifically for the district. I introduced a bill to complete Moorhead’s flood mitigation work, continued the conversations for Oakport Township’s flood mitigation work and started on the Border City Enterprise Zone appropriation. I’ve also begun to work on bills for bonding projects at MSUM and M – State. It looks like our floor sessions will start to see more action as bills are making their way through committees and onto the House floor.

Also, I got a really nice picture in the Pioneer Press’ online article about the State of the State address. Follow the link below and check out photo #5 in the slide show.

http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_22536508/dayton-defends-budget-endorses-same-sex-marriage-annual

 

Thank you for the Opportunity to Serve,

 

Ben