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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dan Fabian (R)

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Capitol Update from Rep. Dan Fabian

Friday, February 27, 2015

Dear Neighbors,

This week, several bills I am authoring were heard in House committees, and are making their way through the legislative process.

Elk and Wolf Depredation Fund

This bill I am authoring regarding elk and wolf depredation, HF 514, was heard on Thursday in the Agriculture Finance Committee. Many livestock and small grain producers have had losses due to depredation by wolves and elk. The December ruling by a federal judge in Washington D.C. to relist the wolf has complicated the issue, and Minnesota will now be more responsible to pay the claims.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, an analysis will be done to make a determination of how much money will be needed to cover losses over the next two years, beginning July 1, 2015. The bill will also cover losses not covered this year as a result of increased claims, with more money needed than was appropriated in 2013.

I appreciate the input I have received from several producers in Northwest Minnesota. They have been very helpful in this effort. My bipartisan bill has the support of both the Farm Bureau and Farmers Union.

MPCA Bills

On Thursday, HF 616 and HF 617 were heard in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Both bills alter the way the MPCA works with wastewater treatment facilities. If the MPCA decides that water is not in compliance with their standards, it can mean millions of dollars in extra costs to taxpayers to ensure compliance to MPCA rules, regardless of how close the water is to meeting those standards.

HF 616 requires a cost benefit analysis to see what costs are incurred and compare it to the needed change in water quality, and HF 617 requires an independent peer review to ensure the MPCA’s analysis is accurate. To be clear, we all want clean water.

I authored these bills on behalf of the cities, counties and local governments who are finding it more difficult to work with the MPCA and comply with their often complex, expensive and changing rules. The MPCA is opposing this legislation, but both bills have strong bipartisan support and can make a real difference for Greater Minnesota taxpayers!

Flood Protection Bill

Also on Thursday in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, they heard HF 675 which appropriates $3.21 million for flood mitigation projects for the Roseau River Watershed District wildlife management area and for levee projects in the city of Oslo.

These are important projects for our district, and I am pleased the bill is moving through committee.

Scopes and Muzzleloader Bill

Finally, on Wednesday the Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee heard HF 691 and HF 302, bills I authored to allow the use of a muzzleloader with a scope during the muzzleloader deer hunting season.

Follow me on Facebook!

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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