Friends and neighbors,
Improving roads and bridges has been one of my top priorities for as long as I have been in the Senate. Many of you remember that finishing the long-overdue Highway 14 expansion was a core component of my very first campaign. Long after getting that project done, roads and bridges have remained one of top priorities — especially in small towns and rural communities.
These areas have been neglected when it comes to dedicated funding for road repairs and improvements. That’s why I’ve been working hard to change that.
In 2023, I was successful in adding a new dedicated road funding stream to the transportation bill specifically for small cities and towns. It was a major victory for small communities that took years of work. However, this new funding unfortunately won’t take effect until next year.
But these small cities and towns need help right now. That is why I recently presented a bill to the Transportation Committee that would provide an immediate $25 million boost to help small cities and townships across Minnesota make critical road repairs.
Leaders from small cities like Olivia and Wayzata came to testify in support, along with groups representing townships and Greater Minnesota cities. They highlighted how years of neglect has caused disastrous road conditions that this emergency funding will help address while we wait for the new dedicated funding stream to kick in.
I’m pushing my colleagues hard behind the scenes to get this $25 million included in a larger transportation funding bill this session. It will make a huge difference for so many cash-strapped small towns struggling to fund basic road maintenance.
HONORING COL. LANGER’S SERVICE
On a separate note, I was proud to author and pass a Senate resolution this week honoring Colonel Matt Langer after an exemplary 25-year career with the Minnesota State Patrol – the last decade of which he served as its chief.
Under his leadership, the State Patrol took major strides to support troopers’ mental health by growing an internal peer team and re-establishing a chaplain program. Col. Langer also advanced forensic techniques for crash reconstruction to enhance investigations.
He focused enforcement on catching dangerous drivers through high-visibility traffic safety initiatives. Thanks to his work cracking down on street racing, excessive speeding, and reckless driving, Minnesota’s roads are now among the safest in the nation.
Even more important, Col. Langer embodies the integrity and commitment to service we hope for in all public servants. He would always give you a straight answer, no matter how it would make you feel. I have greatly valued our working relationship, and I know Minnesota will miss his professionalism, kindness, and commitment to doing the right thing.
Thank you to Col. Langer for 25 years of keeping us safe.
CONTACT ME
If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.john.jasinski@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-0284.
And you can always get the latest news from St. Paul on my Facebook page at fb.com/SenatorJohnJasinski.
It is a privilege to serve you!
John