Dear Neighbors,
We are just over a week away from the end of the 2016 legislative session. While the “big three” bills consisting of transportation, tax relief, and bonding are currently unresolved, the House has continued the work of the people—passing a number of bills this week.
The House continues to advocate for a roads and bridges bill that addresses our needs without raising the gas tax. While we continue working towards a compromise that the House, Senate, and Governor can all agree to, I can assure you there isn’t a legislator here that doesn’t want to get something done on this front.
My goal from the beginning has been to pass a balanced transportation plan that is both future-oriented and supported by the majority of Minnesotans. A plan that makes serious investments in roads and bridges not just in the Twin Cities but also in the townships and communities in Western Minnesota. I believe that the House plan best represents that goal.
Governor Dayton is expected to prepare his first transportation offer this weekend and announce it Monday morning. I am hopeful that when putting together his offer, he remembers his own words from last December when he declared the gas tax “dead”.
Staff Sergeant Kevin Witte Memorial Highway
On Thursday, the House unanimously approved a bill I carried that designates a portion of Highway 28 from Beardsley to Graceville in Big Stone County as the “Staff Sergeant Kevin Witte Memorial Highway.”
Staff Sergeant Kevin Witte was from Beardsley and died in combat while serving our nation in Iraq in 2006. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House as we honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Witte as he made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America.
Click here to watch video from Thursday’s floor session. Sergeant Witte’s family is honored at the 4:38 mark.
Laura’s Law
Taking place Friday was the passage of “Laura’s Law”. This bill is named in honor of Laura Schwendemann, of Starbuck, whose body was found 12 days after being reported missing last fall.
Currently, the crime of interfering with the body or scene of a death with intent to conceal the body or evidence, or otherwise to mislead the coroner or medical examiner, is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota. If Governor Dayton signs this legislation into law, the crime would become a felony with the maximum penalty increased to not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.
The circumstance surrounding Laura’s disappearance and death are extremely sad and it is our hope that this legislation will help prevent future any future tragedies from occurring.
Helping Local Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Finally, the House passed legislation this week that will assist local governments struggling to meet the rapidly changing standards put forth by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
SF 3272, authored by Rep. Dan Fabian, provides taxpayers and municipalities peace of mind by assuring that updates to existing water treatment facilities to reduce phosphates and nitrates in their water will meet permitting standards for at least 20 years as long as the system is properly maintained. This can save communities millions of dollars over the next 20-40 years.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions regarding this piece of legislation. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Jeff