Dear neighbor,
This has been a relatively quiet week on the House floor as the important supplemental omnibus bills we passed last week begin the conference committee process to undergo preparations for final passage.
Work also continues to advance proposals related to transportation, tax relief and bonding, but those have not yet arrived on the House floor.
In the meantime, I am addressing other, more isolated issues such as the buffer law that went into place last year. We are working on legislation to compensate counties and local watersheds for duties they are taking on with buffer implementation. They are taking on new tasks with buffers and a funding mechanism needs to be in place to compensate them for these added responsibilities.
Another issue related to buffers that needs to be resolved is in regard to shifting tax liabilities. There is concern that if this new acreage is taxed at a significantly reduced value, other taxpayers would be left to absorb the hit. We are looking at how to address that glitch.
I also am working to help the Eagle's Healing Nest receive the $300,000 bonding appropriation it was provided last year. There are some procedural things that need to be put in place before the facility which assists veterans can receive its funding to conduct repair/maintenance jobs such as roof work. The city of Sauk Centre, Minnesota Management & Budget and the Department of Employment and Economic Development have been involved in efforts to gain resolution. The hope is Eagle's Nest will have its funding in the coming weeks.
Until next time, have a good weekend and best Mother's Day wishes to all the moms in District 12B.
Sincerely,
Paul