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Dear Neighbors,
As end of session negotiations begin on the main three issues we face—bonding, transportation, and tax relief—I am cautiously optimistic that we will reach an agreement that will benefit all Minnesotans. It is still unclear how this will all come together, but as we reach the final days of session please continue to be in touch with your views.
Transportation
The House will not compromise on a gas tax, and as mentioned last week and in a press conference today, the Governor previously agreed a gas tax was dead.
Late last week, the Senate offered an initial transportation proposal to the House that included an increase in the metro-area sales tax, an increase in license tab fees and an increase in the state's gas tax. Their new gas tax proposal differs from their original proposal in that it calls for a flat 12 cent increase that would be implemented in 5 cent increments over the next three years as opposed to their original 16 cent minimum increase that would go up as the price of gas increases.
The House has since made a compromise offer that is based off the original plan we proposed. It provides $6 billion in funding over ten years to our transportation infrastructure, without raising the gas tax. Notable changed-items include:
- Met Council reforms to improve regional planning and accountability for taxpayers
- Additional $45.8 million for Township & Turnback Aid over three years building off the success of the Republican-led Small Cities Aid program of 2015
- Additional $46 million of immediate funding for Corridors of Commerce
- Increased railroad contributions to rail grade separations and data sharing with emergency responders
As I have shared numerous times, I continue to support the House’s position of opposing a new gas tax. Minnesota has a $900 million surplus and we have the means to fund our roads and bridges right now without raising new revenue.
Body Cameras
Body cameras for police officers is a hot button issue that has received a great deal of attention over the past several months. This week, the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee approved a bill that lays the framework for how data from body cameras would be stored and treated.
To be clear, the bill does not require police departments to use body cameras.
The bill, authored by Rep. Tony Cornish, classifies body camera recordings as private unless they were filmed in a public place and the incident involved an officer’s use of a dangerous weapon or other force that caused bodily harm. Other exceptions would be made for an individual in the video requesting that it be made public, provided that images of other citizens who did not want to be seen on the video are blurred out.
Furthermore, law enforcement could withhold access to data that would otherwise be public if it is found to be “clearly offensive to common sensibilities”.
Finally, the bill allows members of the public to pursue court action to authorize the release of classified data. When making a ruling on the data, judges would be required to consider whether the benefit outweighed any harm in making the recordings public.
Opponents of the bill argue that the bill lacks transparency, does not protect privacy, and gives too much power and discretion to law enforcement agencies.
As always, please contact me if you would like to share your thoughts regarding this issue.
House Approves Legislation with Local Impact
On Wednesday, the House passed legislation authored by Rep. Mark Anderson (I co-authored) that will positively impact Federal Premium Ammunition here in Anoka. Specifically, House File 3160 exempts ammunition companies from the night vision and thermal imaging possession restrictions in current statute.
Current statute requires Federal to send employees to Wisconsin to test their military grade ammunition at night. This bill will allow them to perform these tests here in Minnesota as they will now be able to use night vision and thermal imaging.
Reforming Government Agencies
Finally, on Thursday, the House approved a bill that brings more transparency, accountability and responsibility to grants and loans the Iron Range Resources Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) issues for economic development purposes. The IRRRB is an economic development program and board that is designed to promote growth on the Iron Range by diversifying its economy so it is not so heavily reliant on mining.
House File 3925, authored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth, establishes an oversight commission for the IRRRB's economic development appropriations. The proposal follows recommendations from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA), which issued a report raising serious questions regarding the management and effectiveness of the IRRRB's economic development subsidies.
The IRRRB distributes millions of dollars in grants and loans each year in the name of economic development for northeastern Minnesota. The OLA indicated there has been insufficient follow-up to determine whether grants or loans are achieving the intended results. I was happy to vote in support of Rep. Hackbarth's bill to bring more oversight and transparency to the IRRRB.
Community Happenings and Staying in Touch
There are a number of community events taking place in the coming weeks:
- Tomorrow is the annual kids’ fishing clinic. Click here for more information
- The annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service will be held May 18, 2016, at noon, at the Anoka County Government Center Atrium, 2100 Third Avenue in Anoka. We will be recognizing peace officers killed in the line of duty in Anoka County, and officers who were killed protecting communities across the nation in 2015. For additional information, click here.
- May 21st is the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. For registration information visit this website.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
Have a great week!
Abigail