Hello Northlanders,
Legislative activity really heats up as a flurry of bills are being heard to meet the first committee deadline later this week. Here is an update from the Capitol:
Committee Deadlines
This Friday marks the first of three legislative committee deadlines. Each year, House and Senate leaders set deadlines to manage bills as the measures make their way through the legislative process. Deadlines narrow the number of bills that receive final action.
The 2017 committee deadlines:
1st deadline – Friday, March 10 at midnight
2nd deadline – Friday, March 17 at midnight
3rd deadline – Friday, March 31 at midnight
My Bills
I have been fortunate to have several of my bills heard in committee during this busy time. First was a bill to allow cities or towns to spend money for their own historical societies as well as county historical societies. The second bill allows a public trail to go through Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA) land without receiving a penalty. The third bill allows 10 and 11 year olds to use larger ATVs on public lands. The forth provides $250,000 for a workforce training pilot program at the Bois Forte Tribal Rights Employment Organization.
If you would like more information about any of these bills let me know and I can send you additional details.
Constituent Meetings
Will and Teri Haapala from Ely visited me in St. Paul for AARP Day on the Hill. It was great to hear from them.
Alyssa Bergstrom from International Falls also visited with me about the Minnesota Chiropractic Association.
Capitol Student Essay Contest
Minnesota students are encouraged to submit essays celebrating the historic State Capitol. K - 12 students are asked to describe in their own words what their Minnesota State Capitol means to them and how the State Capitol has shaped our collective past and will impact future generations.
Winners of the essay contest in elementary school, middle school, and high school categories will be invited to share their short essays during the grand opening festivities during the weekend of August 11-13, 2017.
More information on the contest from the clickHERE.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative