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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Liz Olson (DFL)

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Push. Build. Resist. - 04/25/2018

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Dear Neighbor,
 
My colleagues and I recently launched the Minnesota Values Project, the result of nine months of engagement with Minnesotans in a genuine dialogue about the challenges they face and how we can improve people’s prospects for success. It’s clear that Minnesotans care about one another, and by working together, we can make our state work better for everyone.
 
I invite you to take my survey here to share your thoughts on what you value, and how we can improve upon what makes us proud to be Minnesotans.
 
As always, this legislative update will be focused on three distinct topics and messages: Push. Build. Resist. Push is a proactive policy we’re working to move forward at the Capitol, build is a way we are building bridges between people and groups in Duluth and here in St. Paul, and resist is a way we’re resisting proposals intended to divide us or otherwise harm our communities.


PUSH.
 
All session long, we’ve worked to improve protections for our seniors in care facilities so they can live with dignity while receiving the quality care they deserve. Strong, consumer-driven solutions emerged from the AARP and other members of a work group who tackled this issue at Governor Dayton’s direction. I then introduced legislation encompassing these proposals. The Duluth News Tribune had an editorial this week promoting the protections as a priority for this legislative session.  
Visiting with constituents at the Capitol earlier this session for Alzheimer’s Day on the Hill.
Unfortunately, the Health and Human Services budget bill has been put together without any meaningful changes. Our parents and grandparents don’t need more task forces, like those contained in the House majority’s bill. We have ideas we can move ahead with now to end abuse, theft, assaults, and neglect in our state’s care facilities while holding bad actors accountable. Call House Speaker Kurt Daudt at 651-296-5364 or email him at rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn and tell him we must enact strong elder abuse protections this session like those recommended by the AARP consumer workgroup.

BUILD.

One rewarding aspect of serving in office has been the relationships I’ve been able to build with other community leaders. The Duluth News Tribune recently had a story about how county commissioner Beth Olson, school board member Jill Lofald, city council member Renee Van Nett and I regularly discuss the ways we can most effectively deliver results for West Duluth. I hope the concept of our group can be replicated by community leaders elsewhere to have open lines of communication. By working together across all levels of government, we can truly deliver the best outcomes for our constituents.


RESIST.

Last week, the House majority brought a bill to the floor to prevent proposed water quality protections from taking effect. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has drafted rules regarding nitrogen fertilizer use, and the bill would halt these unless the Legislature specifically authorizes them. In 1989, the Groundwater Protection Act was established allowing these rules, and it would be irresponsible for the Legislature to interfere.

Most farmers are already utilizing best practices regarding fertilizer use and are committed to being good stewards of our land. There are areas of our state, however, where waters are heavily impaired and reasonable guidelines for fertilizer application make sense. Thankfully, Gov. Dayton has indicated he would veto this bill if he makes its way to his desk. Ensuring future generations have safe drinking water is one of our most pressing responsibilities, and I’ll continue to speak out against weakening protections for this vital resource.
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