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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Albright (R)

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Legislative Update (March 18, 2019)

Monday, March 18, 2019

Friends, 


A significant warm-up means spring is finally here. While it's great that winter finally has relented, parts of our community are already experiencing flooding that will soon be shared by communities across the state. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to pitch in and help those in need, and let me know if there is any way I can assist. Either respond to this email or call my office at 651-296-5185. Stay warm, stay dry, and let me know how I can help. Have a great week. 


Disaster Relief Funding

Following record-setting snowfall in Minnesota last month, and another major snowfall event to begin March, weather experts are predicting major flooding throughout the state this spring and in Jordan, it is already happening. However, Minnesota’s Disaster Assistance Contingency Account - created to allocate funds to communities impacted by natural disasters and to avoid calling special sessions to authorize the appropriation of these funds - sits empty.

I have co-authored legislation that will replenish this needed funding so impacted cities will be able to immediately begin recovery efforts.

We are already seeing significant flooding in Jordan so this matter becomes even more real and important for our community. As it stands today, the State of Minnesota is not financially prepared to respond to floods that are happening today and will only get worse around the state. It is critical that we put funding in place now so our flood victims can avoid the potential of becoming a pawn in end of session budget negotiations.

The bill would transfer $20 million in Fiscal Year 2019 and another $20 million in Fiscal Year 2020 to Minnesota’s disaster assistance contingency account, effective the day after final enactment.

Governor Walz has proposed putting $10 million into the account for 2019, but that would be insufficient based on last year’s use and this year’s flood predictions.


Please Contact Me

Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any legislation put before the House, or any other matters to which I can be of assistance. You can set up a time to visit me at the Capitol by calling me at 651-296-5185 or contact me via email at rep.tony.albright@house.mn.

Enjoy your week,

Tony