Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With deadlines for bills to receive committee hearings happening, it’s a busy time at the Capitol. Last week was the first of three deadlines, which made for a jam-packed week and some late nights.
With another week underway, here’s an update with some news from St. Paul. Look for another email update from me with some additional legislative info in the coming days.
Local Transportation Bills
I’ve written previously about the legislation I’m authoring to expand Highway 10 to three lanes between Hanson Boulevard and Round Lake Boulevard in both directions. Expanding to three lanes will positively impact our area by reducing travel times, making this road safer, and promoting economic development. These improvements also represent an important first step towards hopefully more Highway 10 upgrades in the future. I will continue championing this legislation as this key project to Anoka County remains atop my list of legislative priorities for this session.
In addition to Highway 10 lane expansion, I’m authoring and championing bills to address a number of other area transportation needs. I’m authoring bills to construct bridges over the railroad at the Ramsey Boulevard railroad crossing as well as at the Highway 47/Ferry Street railroad crossing. These bridges would make both intersections safer and allow for shorter travel times on these roads. I’m also authoring legislation to reconstruct the Rum River dam in the city of Anoka.
Each of these bills has the support of legislators from both parties, and I’ve enjoyed working with Republicans and Democrats alike in pushing for these projects. In addition to these projects, I’m continuing to work with as many stakeholders as possible – colleagues, legislative staff, local city officials, MNDOT officials – on the prospect of addressing other area transportation needs. I’ll continue advocating for transportation in our community and will keep you updated of any developments on my bills.
Gun Control Bills
You may have heard about two controversial gun control bills that Democrats are proposing at the legislature this year. HF 8 (universal background checks) would impose several new requirements and restrictions on firearm transfers between private parties. This bill would create strict new barriers for law-abiding Minnesotans exercising their second amendment rights, but I believe it would do little to stop criminals who already don’t follow the law. It would also create new burdens for previously routine transfers between friends for hunting purposes, etc., and could inadvertently turn people into criminals if they don't follow the bill’s exact processes.
HF 9 (red flag law) would create a process in which family members, friends, or an attorney could petition for an “extreme risk protection order”, which would prohibit someone from possessing firearms. This bill would violate due process by never allowing the gun owner the opportunity to defend his or herself in court. In addition, this bill could put law enforcement in harm's way by expecting them to seize guns from people who are likely unaware they have a gun seizure order against them.
I have serious concerns with the constitutionality of each of these bills and am opposed to both. I fear that neither would do anything to address what is causing people to commit violent acts with firearms. Instead, I believe they infringe on our second amendment rights, put burdens on law-abiding gun owners, and take away the right to due process.
WWI Veterans Plaque
I’m authoring a bill this year to recognize the sacrifices and bravery of Minnesota’s World War I veterans with a memorial plaque in the court of honor at the Capitol. This memorial is a small gesture to remember and honor the enormous sacrifices that these veterans made on behalf of our nation. I’m proud to author this bill, which is currently working its way through the legislative process.
Visitors
It’s always great to meet with people from our community during their visits to the Capitol. I recently met with Anoka County Commissioners and other area legislators at the Capitol to discuss Highway 10 lane expansion and other area road and bridge projects.
I also had the chance to meet up with USMC veteran David Bassett, who I served with in Iraq back in 2003. Below is a then and now of me and David. It was awesome to see David after all these years!
Please Contact Me
Please feel free to contact me anytime to share questions or concerns you have on any legislative matter. I can best be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or by email at rep.john.heinrich@house.mn.
Sincerely,
John