Dear Neighbors,
I was in St. Paul last week to attend meetings for the Environment, Natural Resources and Ag Finance committee.
The chair, from Minneapolis, had two major items to discuss that have the potential to add costly mandates to rural Minnesota.
First, legislators from Minneapolis and St. Paul are considering imposing a one-size-fits-all recycling program on the state that would eliminate or compete with our workable recycling program in northwest Minnesota while driving up costs to consumers on every bottle/container they buy.
Let me begin by saying I encourage and support recycling. However, a one-size-fits-all mandate is not the answer. We do a good job of recycling in northwest Minnesota, and the problems in the 7-county metro area are not the same as all rural areas of the state. Let’s work with what we have and not add costly mandates on rural Minnesotans.
Second, we discussed air quality across the state. Yes, I believe it’s important to have good air quality, which we do in northwest Minnesota. But again, my fellow rural legislators and I emphasized that policies we create have to reflect the fact that one size does not fit all.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I recently spent some time with folks who gather for Grgyla Senior Meals. The program is no longer run through Lutheran Social Services, so they relocated to the Grain Bin. I’m told it’s been a very successful move, and they’re averaging about 30 meals per day at only $4 a plate. Folks are coming from surrounding areas for this great social gathering. Stop by Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. for a bite to eat, board games and conversation.
I also attended the monthly Norwest Regional Development Commission meeting in Warren. The NWRDC is responsible for allocating many of the economic development grants that are sent from St. Paul.
This week I was in Argyle, Hallock and Roseau for Small Grains Update Meetings on wheat, soybeans and corn. They were very informational sessions, and I enjoyed meeting with many farmers. I encouraged them to attend the Minn. Wheat Growers and Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol on Tues., April 1. This is a chance to meet with policymakers to discuss issues they have, like water quality, drainage, transportation funding and the repeal of sales taxes.
Roxanne and I recently traveled to West Point, New York to watch the Air Force vs. Army hockey games. Our son, Jason, plays center for the Air Force. We’re happy to report the Air Force won both games!
Senior players recognition.
While we were at West Point, I found Andy Lundbohm’s player plaque. Andy is a former student of mine at Roseau High and the current hockey coach for Roseau (as well as a math teacher).
GRANTS FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKS
The Department of Administration has opportunities for competitive grants for Veterans Memorial Parks. Local units of government can receive $80,000 the first year for veterans memorials in municipal parks to preserve the culture and heritage of Minnesota. The local unit of government must provide a non-state cash match equal to the amount requested for the grant. More information can be accessed here.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A