Neighbors,
We are more than halfway through the legislative session, and I am very proud of the work being done thus far. As we enter our one week legislative break, I wanted to update you on my week at the Capitol. I hope that you and your family have a blessed Easter celebration and enjoy time with your family and friends.
Road and Bridge Act of 2015
On Monday, we introduced the Road and Bridge Act of 2015. The act secures transportation funding in the short- and long-term for the improvement and replacement of transportation infrastructure. Under our plan, $7 billion will be invested over a ten-year period with the aim of reducing travel congestion and increasing safety statewide. As our district is a major hub of travel to and from the downtown areas and across the state, I am proud to support a plan that establishes consistent funding sources to improve our district’s roadways.
Republican Budget
In accordance with state law, the Republican majority’s budget proposal was introduced on Tuesday. In a time when take-home pay remains stagnant for families in our district and across Minnesota, there is no reason why Minnesota’s budget ought to grow faster than family budgets. Our budget continues to improve education, ensure quality long-term care for the elderly and vulnerable, and invest in critical transportation infrastructure, while providing Minnesota families with $2 billion of tax relief and sending $100 million to the budget reserves.
Second Committee Deadline
The second committee deadline – the deadline by which policy bills must be heard in all committees – is today at midnight. I have been hard at work this week presenting one of my bills, HF1725, which allows for electronic filings of hearing documents. This bill is a common-sense reform that brings our legal system into the 21st century.
Share Your Thoughts
I always enjoy hearing your thoughts and relish the opportunity to share them with my colleagues in committee and on the House floor. Please take the time to fill out my 2015 Legislative Survey so that I am able to better understand your position on the many issues we debate in the legislature. I look forward to receiving your feedback! Do not hesitate to get in touch to further discuss any of the issues raised in the survey, or to share your thoughts on other issues in our state and in our community. You can schedule a time to meet with me by calling my Legislative Assistant at (651) 296-8891, or email me directly at rep.drew.christensen@house.mn.
Enjoy your weekend,
Rep. Drew Christensen