Legislative Update- January 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and are staying warm. My statewide Emergency Medical Services tour kicked off early this month, partnering with rural communities and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find solutions to the volunteer EMS shortage. I’m encouraged by the discussions and ideas that are taking place around recruitment and retention. You can read more in the StarTribune’s coverage of this topic here.

The legislative session is just around the corner, and with less than a month to go before our work in St. Paul resumes, I’d like to hear from you on what you’d like the Legislature to prioritize. Please join Senator Clausen, Representative Bierman, and me for a town hall meeting on Monday, January 27, at 7 pm at Falcon Ridge Middle School in Apple Valley.

All viewpoints are welcome, and I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you in person if you’re able to attend. If the weekend works better with your schedule, I’ll be hosting a coffee hour on Saturday, February 8 at Morning Glory’s Bakery Café in Rosemount at 9:00 a.m. I hope to see you at one of these events.

Governor Walz Releases Local Jobs and Projects Plan

This week, Governor Walz announced his 2020 capital investment proposal. In the upcoming legislative session, I’m committed to enacting a regionally-balanced, robust package of investments in our higher education institutions, roads and bridges, parks and trails, wastewater treatment facilities, and other important assets, including many in our region.

I was pleased to see the Governor has included the Minnesota Zoo as a top priority in his plan- specifically, so the facility can make major repairs to animal exhibits and buildings while also replacing vital mechanical and electrical systems. The Walz administration is also recommending funding to help build the Treetop Trail, which will utilize existing infrastructure from the monorail and provide a new experience for Zoo visitors of all ages and abilities. The House will craft its own version of a bonding bill and I’ll continue to advocate for our community’s projects.

Intern-for-a-Day Program

High school students in District 57 are invited to join Senator Clausen, Rep. Bierman and me at the Capitol for an inside view of how the state legislature works and why engagement matters. The half-day program will feature an opportunity to share ideas, concerns, and questions with legislators, to attend a committee meeting, and to take an official tour. It will take place from 8:00am–1:30pm on Thursdays during the 2020 legislative session. Find dates and applications here.  

Stay in Touch

Please contact me anytime with questions, feedback, or to let me know how I can be of assistance. For additional updates, you can follow me on Facebook here.

It’s an honor to represent you in St. Paul.

Sincerely,

John