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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Fue Lee (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 28, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

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Grand Opening of 800 West Broadway this morning. See more about the new facility below.

Legislative Updates

Building and Infrastructure Bill

Tuesday, I supported my House DFL colleagues pushing for passage of a bonding bill. Bonding invests in needed infrastructure improvements throughout Minnesota. These projects include things like repair and replacement of crumbling bridges, upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, and rail safety improvements.

Last year, House Republicans introduced a failed bonding proposal at the last minute and left many of these projects on hold, costing us millions. It has been several years since a large bonding bill was passed, and as interest rates rise, the costs of these projects does too.

Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol

Clean energy businesses and advocates lobbied the legislature on Tuesday, in the wake of the House Republican plan to roll back Minnesota’s progress in building a clean energy economy. In addition to fighting for the progress we have made toward more renewable energy, they are working for an increase in the state’s renewable energy standard from 25 percent in 2025 to 50 percent in 2030.

To achieve this, I co-authored HF 1772, a bipartisan effort that will make this goal since Minnesota is already on track to surpass the current goals set by the bipartisan Next Generation Energy Act. Today, 21 percent of Minnesota’s electricity comes from renewable sources.

Clean energy businesses are located across the state, and their employees make on average $71,000, 42 percent higher than the state average. Clean energy is a growing field with numerous opportunities in Minnesota and across the country.

That is why I introduced HF 2110, a bipartisan bill to appropriate money to create an energy sector job initiative in Minnesota to focus on maximizing job opportunities in the energy sector, especially for communities of colors. The bill would also create a partnership between the Department of Employment and Economic Development with an outside organization to conduct a feasibility analysis for the development of a multipurpose training facility in North Minneapolis. Unfortunately, under the House Republican leadership I have not received a hearing on this proposal. I will continue to promote the creation and expansion of clean energy jobs and businesses in our state.

Area News and Upcoming Events

800 West Broadway Grand Opening

Today is the grand opening of 800 West Broadway, a collaborative center bringing together Minnesota Workforce Development, Minneapolis Public Schools, and NorthPoint Health and Wellness. This center will offer residents the ability to access healthcare services, community education classes, career services, and other self-enrichment opportunities.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Today is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. You can dispose of unwanted prescription medicine anonymously and for free this Saturday at dozens of sites around the state. To find a site near you click on Dose of Reality webpage on the Minnesota Attorney General’s website.

Neighborhoods 2020 Community Conversation

Tomorrow, the City of Minneapolis’ Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission will have a community gathering from 10 AM – 2 PM to discuss the future role of neighborhood organizations in North Minneapolis. The event will be at the northwest corner of Penn and Lowry Avenue.

Minneapolis Public School Capital Planning Open House

Join the Minneapolis Public Schools on Monday, May 1 from 6 – 8 PM at the Davis Center, 1250 W. Broadway Ave., for an informational presentation of district construction projects for 2017-18, followed by Q&A and refreshments.

Interpretation services provided in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Child care available. Call 612-668-0198 to reserve your space.

Have questions? Contact Candee Lovell at 612-668-0395 or candee.lovell@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Minneapolis Public School - Help Strengthen Equity in MPS

Join the Minneapolis Public Schools on Tuesday, May 2 from 6 – 8:30 PM at the Davis Center, 1250 W. Broadway Ave., to lend your voice to a meaningful conversation about equity and integration in our schools. It will be in a safe and welcoming venue to share your opinions in a World Café format and influence the Achievement and Integration Plan going forward.

Light food and refreshments will be provided.

To request transportation, interpretation or child care, please call 612-668-0198.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Also, I am available during select hours on Monday and Friday mornings most weeks for in-district meetings, if Northside residents aren’t able to make it to the Capitol. If you would like to send me a message or set up an in-district meeting, you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4262 or by email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!