Hello from the State Capitol,
The Minnesota House has spent the week approving budget bills, and that process will continue into early next week.
The problem with these budget bills is most of them are hundreds of pages long, and contain dozens or hundreds of provisions - some I like, some I dislike. So, if you’re a local business owner who is concerned that the House majority has voted to not give you PPP loan relief, or a driver who is concerned about the recent vote to raise gasoline taxes and other vehicle-related fees, just remember that any proposal approved on the House floor has not been signed into law.
Many, if not most, of the partisan proposals that are approved in either the House or Senate are usually dropped when representatives and senators craft a compromise proposal that can be approved by both bodies.
If that happens, I hope I will be in a position to vote for many of these bills that will be sent to Governor Walz. Session will end on May 17, and there are plenty of polarizing provisions that will need to be addressed before that deadline.
OUT AND ABOUT…..
Pleasant Hill Library vaccination site working well
Senator Bigham and I toured, and received our second vaccinations, at the latest vaccine clinic to open in Dakota County this week: the Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings.
Dakota County officials have done a wonderful job of making more COVID-19 vaccinations available for those who need them. The vaccination process at the Pleasant Hill library location is smooth and efficient, and will assist countless residents who are seeking the vaccine. As more choose to get vaccinated, I expect the Governor will continue to ease restrictions on businesses, schools, and entertainment.
To sign up for a vaccination appointment go to the Dakota County website. More information about Dakota County’s response to COVID-19 is available here: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/HealthFamily/HandlingEmergencies/Disasters/Pages/emerging-diseases.aspx.
Highway 316 and Hastings Industrial Park
On Wednesday I participated in a virtual call hosted by Hastings Area Chamber President Kristy Barse for businesses in the industrial park. There was a discussion with Hastings Police Community Engagement Officer Whitney Rinowski on business thefts and vandalism occurring over the past several months.
Also, attendees from MNDOT spoke about the upcoming Highway 316 project. There will be a virtual open house on Thursday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. for residents to hear the latest on the project that is expected to start next month. Click here for more information.
Have a good weekend,
Tony