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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Nels Pierson (R)

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Legislative Update (Feb. 13, 2015)

Friday, February 13, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for staying involved in the political process and sharing your thoughts with me on the many issues that affect you and your family.

In the Community

On Friday, February 20th, I’ll be attending the Eggs and Issues event put on by the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. I am excited to speak with so many great community leaders about the legislative issues that impact their families and businesses. I hope to see many of you there!

Protecting Your Tax Dollars

You may have heard a great deal this week about Governor Dayton’s double-digit pay increases to his commissioners, which was passed by the DFL-controlled legislature in 2013. The pay increases, which could cost the state more than $1.4 million over the next two years, allow some commissioners to make more than $140,000 per year – funded by you, the taxpayer. For each dollar of raised pay, we could have been funding our nursing homes, or putting another teacher in the classroom to instruct our students.

On Monday, I introduced my first bill of the legislative session. HF698 prohibits the use of money from the parks and trails fund to acquire property by eminent domain, preventing the ability of the state to use your tax dollars to buy your property. This common sense reform will ensure that your tax dollars are used wisely and for the purpose for which they were intended in the parks and trails fund.

Dairy Day on the Hill

Thanks to the dairy farmers from my district that met with me during Dairy Day on the Hill last Wednesday! My time growing up on a dairy farm in Butterfield, Minnesota taught me hard work and perseverance, and the importance of the dairy industry to Minnesota’s economy and the nutrition on every family’s table across the nation. Thank you to our dairy farmers for their hard work as they feed our families! Because of you, Minnesota ranks sixth in milk production.



Congratulations to our Teachers

Congratulations to Julie Walz from the Rochester School District and Laura Rasmussen from the Rochester Montessori School on their nomination for the 2015 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award! As the son of a schoolteacher, I know the hard work and commitment that goes into teaching our children, and I admire and appreciate your work inside and outside of the classroom. I’m proud to represent a district with so many creative and inspiring educators. Thank you for all you do for our next generation, and best of luck to Ms. Walz and Ms. Rasmussen as the award finalists are announced in the coming months.

Contact me to discuss your thoughts and concerns on any legislation introduced, or any matters where I can be of assistance. If you’ll be in Saint Paul, schedule a time to meet with me in my office by calling (651) 296-2208, or email me directly at rep.nels.pierson@house.mn. Make sure your friends and family members stay informed by encouraging them to sign up for my emails here.

It is an honor to serve you.


Nels