Dear Neighbor,
It’s good to be back in St. Paul for the start of the 2014 legislative session.
One of the first things we did upon convening in the House today was to bipartisanly pass $20 million in additional heating assistance to help ease the pain of an ongoing propane supply shortage. This is a serious issue, so I am pleased we were able to provide some relief right away this session. It appears propane prices are coming down but, with the cold weather continuing, we are not out of the woods just yet. I am working on legislation to help increase our propane storage capabilities in order to mitigate future supply shortages.
This is not a year where we set the budget (that happens in odd-numbered years), but we still have many important issues to take on this year at the Capitol. Correspondence from local folks is very helpful to me in representing the wishes of people in our area, so I welcome you to use my contact information that is included in this email to let me know your thoughts.
One of the top items up for discussion this year will be a capital investment bonding bill to pay for projects all across the state. A minimum-wage increase, Sunday alcohol sales, prescription marijuana, final approval for a $90 million Senate office building and parking ramp, anti-bullying legislation and improvements for struggling MNsure also are creating conversations.
Three new taxes – on equipment repair, warehousing and telecommunications – have gained bipartisan support for repeal since they passed into law last year. I support pulling these unnecessary burdens off the books … provided the upcoming economic forecast shows a positive balance.
Look for more details from me on these and other subjects in my periodic email updates as things develop. I also encourage District 12B residents to look for the legislative columns I submit to area newspapers most weeks during the session. Much of the focus will pertain to committees I serve: agriculture policy; environment, natural resources and ag. finance; housing finance and policy; and the select committee on veterans housing.
You can find more on my official state website by clicking here. Below is a list of other informational links I hope you find helpful in following the legislative session. Just click on the blue headlines to reach the websites.
Minnesota House of Representatives
-Information about the legislative process and the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Session Daily
-A nonpartisan publication of Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services which provides hard news from the Capitol.
New laws
-Compiled by the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services.
TV coverage
-Coverage is broadcast statewide – along with Minnesota Senate television coverage – on your local PBS station’s digital Minnesota Channel.
Streaming video
-Live Internet video streaming of all television productions, plus additional coverage not provided on the broadcast channel, including evening, weekend and interim coverage.
Sincerely,
Paul