Friends,
Best of luck to my fellow deer hunters this weekend for the opener! Be safe out there and God Bless!
Be safe out there and God Bless
Line 3 Replacement Project
Last Thursday, six Senate and House colleagues from the area encompassing the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project and I sent a letter to Governor Mark Dayton and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman relaying concerns they have heard from local law enforcement regarding escalating protest threats.
The letter specifically asks Governor Dayton and his commissioners if they have plans to provide assistance in the event that local law enforcement is overwhelmed in terms of resources and personnel. The letter is attached and can also be viewed online here.
Early this week, we received a response from Governor Dayton's office. They have assured us they are monitoring the situation and do have plans to give assistance to local law enforcement. I plan on meeting with Governor Dayton's administration along with law enforcement officials in order to continue to make sure the support from the state will be sufficient.
Propane Shortages
House Republicans sent a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton, requesting that he issue an executive order temporarily waiving hours of service regulations for transporters of propane and anhydrous ammonia. The governor issued a similar order in 2013, when late-maturing crops and other factors teamed to choke the propane supply chain that fall.
The Governor issued Emergency Executive Order 17-11 late Wednesday evening which eases regulations on hours of service "for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in emergency relief efforts." According to a press release from the Governor's office, the Executive Order "will help ensure farmers have access to the diesel fuel and propane they need to dry late-harvested crops."
While this year’s situation does not appear as dire, but several constituents reported that shortages in surrounding states are causing dealers to turn to Minnesota for supplies, straining our state’s resources. Haulers have had to wait in line for up to six hours to load their trucks, time which cuts into their allotted hours of service behind the wheel. The Executive Order remains in effect for 30 days, or "until the commercial motor carrier or drivers ceases direct assistance in providing energy relief, whichever occurs first," and may be extended in the future.
High School Page Program
The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is now accepting applications. Over the last 40 years the program has provided high school juniors with hands-on access to our state government in action. I encourage any high school junior who may be interested in learning more about the legislative process to apply for the page program by December 1st. Click here to apply!
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-4265 or you can email me at rep.matt.grossell@house.mn.
Good luck and God bless!
Matt