Dear Neighbors,
It has been a busy week in St. Paul as bills have started to come to the House floor for votes. Coming out of a pandemic, I was expecting the House Majority to reach out and work with us to pass legislation that directly addresses the problems facing Minnesotans because of the pandemic.
I have been disappointed that the majority is forgoing this sentiment and is instead playing partisan games with legislation that Minnesotans need. We should not use this crisis to propagate an agenda.
Here’s to hoping things change in the final weeks of session. Minnesotans are depending on us to do the right thing and to get our work done.
Standing up for Mining
The so-called “prove it first” legislation, House File 148, authored by Rep. Jim Davnie of Minneapolis, recently reached the maximum number of co-authors allowed under House rules.
Minnesota already has the greatest and most stringent environmental review processes in the world. Members signing onto this bill are effectively making sure that no new mining takes place in the Northland ever again—causing great harm to communities on the Range.
I urge members to speak with me, visit, or learn about the history of our area, and discover how we have mined safely for over 140 years and will continue to mine responsibly into the future no matter what that mineral may be.
We have a moral obligation to safely mine the critical minerals needed for the world of tomorrow. Let’s stand up, make our voices heard, and do the right thing by mining the minerals for the world of tomorrow in the Northland and bring our best days to reality.
I am chief author of a House resolution that affirms the Minnesota House of Representatives’ commitment to encouraging Minnesota’s technology and medical companies to utilize Minnesota-mined minerals when manufacturing products.
You can read that resolution here: https://bit.ly/3rvfQnf
Staying in Touch
As your representative, it is my duty to listen to your thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding state government. Please do not hesitate to contact me, it would be great to chat. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Spencer
8.7.1