Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy week in St. Paul as we’ve entered the final days of the 2018 legislative session. While negotiations with the Governor, House, and Senate are ongoing, the House passed a handful of bills this week.
On Thursday, the House passed legislation that would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall for voters to either approve or reject. The constitutional amendment would dedicate sales tax revenue from the sale of motor vehicle repair and replacement parts to state and local roads.
This is a commonsense initiative we can take to help address the funding shortfalls that have plagued our roads and bridges infrastructure over the years.
My bill that exempts temporary storage facilities located at dry bulk agricultural commodity facilities, such as grain elevators and ethanol plants, from fugitive dust emission limits was signed into law by Governor Dayton on Monday.
I appreciate that the Governor understands the burden this rule placed on farmers and for his willingness to sign this important legislation. When we work together, we can accomplish great things to help our farmers.
On Tuesday, the House approved legislation that extends a moratorium on new rules to mow trunk highway rights-of-way. This is an important step and I am hopeful that the Governor will sign this into law as it gives folks time to better study and understand this issue before placing additional regulations on ditch-mowing.
Thank you to Gracie Hennen for taking time to visit St. paul this past week. It was great to meet with you!
That’s all for this week’s update as we enter into what’s sure to be a busy weekend at the Capitol. I will make sure to update you all next week after we adjourn for the year, to recap what happened. I am still hoping that we can get a tax bill and bonding bill signed by the Governor. Stay tuned.
Until then, please be sure to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929 or 701-361-1909. I can also be reached via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Jeff