Legislative Update - October 24, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope the cooler weather is treating you well. As the leaves continue to change, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources predicts we’re almost past our prime when it comes to fall colors. Here’s a quick update on what the Legislature has been working on this fall, as well as ways you can get involved with some key issues.

Capital Investment Tours

This fall, the House Capital Investment Committee took part in several tours across the state, visiting sites of potential candidates for legislative funding. As a member of this committee, it was an incredible experience to see these worthy projects all over Minnesota, and I had the opportunity to bring the committee to our community earlier this week.

Our tour of sites in Rochester and Olmsted County began with a stop at the Rochester International Airport, where crucial infrastructure requires a much-needed facelift. From there we visited the site of a proposed multi-use expo building at Graham Park, and continued to Rochester Community and Technical College where we heard presentations on projects for Silver Lake Dam and the Willow Creek Trail. I look forward to advocating for these projects when the Legislature returns in February.

You can read more about our tour and the sites we visited here.

Investing in Safe Schools 

Minnesotans deserve safe and secure schools, and protecting our students is of the highest priority in our work at the Legislature. As part of Minnesota’s new education budget passed earlier this year, over $30 million in funds will be available for Minnesota’s schools at the end of the month as part of the 2020 Safe Schools Supplemental Aid, with $605,766 going towards Rochester Public Schools.

The 2020 State Schools Supplemental Aid is a one-time appropriation included with school districts’ Integrated Department of Education Aid System (IDEAS) payment. This investment will better ensure that our community is able to address the unique safety needs of our schools – such as mental health counseling, facility security enhancements, peace officer liaisons, gang resistance education training, and other safety provisions.

Minnesota Values Project Survey

During the interim, my colleagues and I remain hard at work crafting legislation, holding community meetings, and touching base with constituents. In order to continue our work in a way that improves Minnesota and addresses the issues that matter to you, I ask that you find a moment to take our Minnesota Values Project Survey.

LCCMR Survey

Another quick survey for you to consider.  The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is seeking input for a strategic plan that will guide funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) for the next six years. The survey is anonymous and open to the public, and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. The survey will be open until Monday, October 28. You can take this survey here.

Prescription Take Back Day

For the first time, vaping devices and cartridges will be accepted during National Take Back day on October 26. This is a safe, convenient way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs, and it's also a reminder that the medicine cabinet is where too many people get access to drugs that can lead to addiction. You can find a collection site here. 

Cold Weather Rule

With the weather getting colder, families should be looking forward to the winter activities that make up much of our fabric as Minnesotans. Unfortunately for many in our community, winter can pose difficulties when energy bills start piling up. No family should be left out in the cold, and help is available to make sure this doesn’t happen.

For those Minnesotans under certain income levels, help may be available toward the payment of energy bills, utility disconnections or fuel deliveries, and advocacy with power companies and human service providers. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website here.

Stay in Touch

If you have any questions, especially on the topics covered in today’s legislative update, please feel free to contact me. During the interim I’ll be back home working with neighbors to find solutions to the issues facing our community and state, and I always appreciate your input! You can reach me at (651) 296-9249 or rep.duane.sauke@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Duane Sauke

State Representative