Dear neighbors,
We’ve made a lot of progress at the Capitol lately. The House passed some important legislation, including my proposal to protect our clean air and plans for addressing the opioid epidemic and distracted driving. These bills will save the lives of Minnesotans, and I was proud to cast my vote for each of them.
Upcoming Town Hall
Please join Senator Jim Carlson, Representative Sandy Masin, and me for a town hall this Saturday, March 23. We’ll share updates on the progress that we’ve made at the Capitol and listen to questions and feedback from community members. I hope to see you there.
When: Saturday, March 23 from 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Where: Large Meeting Room – Lower Level, Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, MN 55123
Protecting Our Clean Air
Minnesotans expect and enjoy clean air in public places. The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act protects employees and the public from exposure to secondhand smoke, but it doesn’t apply to e-cigarettes. Vapors from these devices contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other cancer causing agents. My proposal to include e-cigarettes in the Clean Indoor Air Act (HF 349) passed with broad bipartisan support last Thursday.
Ending the Opioid Epidemic
In 2017, 442 Minnesotans lost their lives to the opioid epidemic. Thousands more have lost a family member, a friend, or a neighbor. Our communities are paying the price for the opioid epidemic while the opioid manufacturers and distributors who created this crisis make billions of dollars. Now we’re asking them to be part of the solution.
On Monday, the House passed a bill that would provide prevention, treatment, and recovery resources to those struggling with addiction (HF 400). Funding for these services would come from fees paid by pharmaceutical companies.
Distracted Driving Prevention
Distracted driving contributes to one in five crashes on Minnesota roads, causing an average of 53 deaths and 216 serious injuries each year. On Monday, the House approved legislation to require drivers to use hands-free mode (HF 50). This would ensure that people are paying attention to the road, rather than their cell phones. Public safety advocates, business leaders, and families who have lost loved ones to inattentive drivers have come to the Capitol to support this bill. Hands-free cell phone policies have reduced crashes and fatalities in other states.
Upcoming Construction Projects
Today I met with staff from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to discuss road construction, pedestrian accessibility, and noise concerns that residents have shared with me. More information on current and upcoming road construction projects can be found on the Dakota County transportation webpage or on the MnDOT site. Here’s a list of upcoming projects in our community:
|
Location
|
Description
|
Timeframe
|
|
Hwy 3 at 70th St. in Inver Grove Heights
|
Construct a roundabout, improve drainage, and install lighting
|
Apr. – Oct. 2019
|
|
I-35E from Lone Oak Rd. to Pilot Knob Rd. in Eagan
|
Replace signal and modify right turn lane
|
Apr. – Oct. 2019
|
|
Hwy 13 at Hwy 77 in Eagan
|
Replace lighting system
|
July – Sept. 2019
|
|
Hwy 77 from Cliff Rd. to Diffley Rd. in Eagan
|
Repair bridge and ramps, update signals and guardrail, and improve pedestrian accessibility
|
July – Sept. 2019
|
|
I-35W at the Burnsville Pkwy
|
Construct a bypass on the ramp to I-35W northbound and repair concrete
|
July 2019 – Jan. 2020
|
|
I-494 from the Minnesota River to Hardman Ave.
|
Resurface and bridge decks and replace joints, repair pavement, improve drainage, and construct ponds
|
July 2019 – Nov. 2020
|
Please continue to share your stories, opinions, and questions. It’s an honor to serve as a voice for our community.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative