Seasons greetings,
The Lueck family wishes you and yours peace and joy as we celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. As we enjoy the company of friends and family, please say a prayer for members of our armed forces who may not be able to be home for the holidays.
It’s been a busy week, Monday included a visit to Crosslake with Major Nevin, the council and members of their economic development task force members. We reviewed the steps the city must take to put the question before the Crosslake voters on whether to impose a half-cent local use sales tax.
Tuesday included a two-hour committee of the whole meeting with the Crow Wing County Board to review issues they are having with state agencies. Top of the list was the Department of Human Services and the continuing issues that plague that agency and the tickle down to the county.
A concern was raised about the wild variations across Minnesota with respect to how probation is imposed. The average probation periods vary from 3.3 years in two judicial districts, to over seven years in two other judicial districts. The cost of supervised probation is born by the counties. In our area, the Ninth Judicial District, the average probation is 6.4 years.
There are two concerns here. Why the huge variation in sentencing? And the obvious huge disparity from county to county on the cost of providing probation supervision.
Many more subjects were discussed, detailed info can be found here.
Thursday was an Iron Range, Resources & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) meeting at Eveleth. The board made a favorable recommendations to the commissioner on a number of projects of interest including:
- City of Aitkin $85,000 Community Infrastructure grant – First Street improvement project
- City of Aitkin $65,000 Community Infrastructure grant – City Park improvement project
- City of Cuyuna $82,000 trail grant - Cuyuna Connector & Hills Trail project to construct 12 miles of bike, hiking and snowshoe trail
- Over the Hills Gang ATV Club Emily $25,000 trail grant - to construct the 16-mile ATV trail “Emily-Blind Lake Connector Trail”
Mining still matters in our area of Minnesota!
Watch for more legislative news right after the New Year. The 2020 legislative session commences Feb. 11. Your input is always welcome, contact me by email: rep.dale.lueck@house.mn or by calling my legislative office at (651) 296-2365.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Dale