Recapping session as the legislature begins Easter/Passover break
As I write this, the legislature is preparing to break for roughly one week in observance of Easter and Passover. When we return, we will begin the mad dash toward the end of session. There will be a lot to do, but I feel good about where are in the process.
Thus far we have had a good working relationship with Gov. Walz. I have known the governor for a while, and this relationship has helped me get his attention on a number of important issues, such as funding for deputy registrars and disaster relief. I anticipate that relationship will be a benefit as we work to finish a budget agreement and adjourn on time.
As the Easter break begins I thought it might be helpful to recap some of the bills that have already been passed by both the House and the Senate and signed by the governor.
- School day relief for extreme weather: Senate File 1743 gives school districts the option of counting snow days and other days canceled due to extreme weather toward their calendar requirements
- Hands Free driving: House File 50 prohibits driver’s from using their cellphones while driving, except for one-touch features or when using technological accessories.
- Disaster relief: Senate File 307 transfers $10 million into the state’s disaster relief contingency account, which helps communities clean up after natural disasters and severe storms.
- Save our Farms: Senate File 2225 makes zero-interest disaster recovery loans available to farmers whose barns collapsed under the weight of heavy snow and ice during this brutal winter.
- MNLARS emergency funding and accountability: Senate File 1092 provides funds for urgent MNLARS system maintenance and contractual obligations. Like many of you, I have serious reservations about giving MNLARS more money. However, Gov. Walz has been far more engaged in the issue than the previous governor, so for the time being I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. The bill also protects the taxpayers with an external review requirement, so an independent expert will be able to tell us if MNLARS is making progress or if we should cut bait.
- Funding key infrastructure projects: House File 80 fixes an issue related to how some projects in last year’s bonding bill were funded. This glitch potentially could have delayed a number of public works projects throughout Minnesota, including the time-sensitive cleanup of a state-owned hazardous waste pit in the north metro.
Senate committees are currently working out the details major budget bills that fund K-12 education, address health insurance costs and access, invest in roads and bridges, and weed out fraud in public assistance programs. When we return from break I will update you with some specifics about those bills. As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 651-296-0284 or sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn.