Friends and Neighbors,
Over the last week, the Senate heard and debated multiple bills. The largest of the bills – the Environment Policy Omnibus bill and Higher Education Policy Omnibus bill – were debated thoroughly and are briefly outlined in this newsletter. Because this is just a brief review, it’s highly recommended to review the bills through the link provided so you can be more informed on what it includes. You can also find a recording of the floor debate on the Senate YouTube website through a simple web search for the bill. Please reach out if you need assistance finding the information – we’re happy to help!
Bills Recently Passed
Environmental Policy Omnibus Bill
While numerous aspects of the environment were covered in this bill, one major concern for Minnesotans that has been brought to the forefront is concerning the wolf population. Minnesota’s hunters, farmers, and residents have voiced their concern about how exploding wolf numbers significantly threaten our deer population, cattle, and pets.
There was a lot of debate on both sides of this issue; however, while wolves were once nearly extinct before being protected by the Endangered Species Act in 1970, Minnesota’s wolf population grew to around 2,400 in the late-90’s. This put wolf numbers at nearly double the federal government’s goal for delisting the gray wolf. We have effectively managed to conserve and sustain the wolf population for the past several decades, and like many of you, I believe it’s time to work towards managing our wolves, just as we do with deer, bear, and other wildlife populations. I know there are earnest and dedicated people on both sides of this, but the science supports the decision to authorize a wolf hunt in Minnesota to maintain balance in our ecosystem. Unfortunately, Democrats voted down the amendment, and it failed to pass.
Moving forward, I’m hopeful the DNR can work to ensure there is a balance between our human and our natural environment to ensure we can live comfortably and nature can continue to thrive. I voted YES for the Environment bill.
While there was some attempt at bipartisanship on this bill, I believe it fell well short of what it should be and, just on principle alone, I couldn’t vote for it.
There were two major issues included in this bill that Senate Republicans offered amendments on that would have allowed me to consider it. They were to 1) provide fairness to students who are eligible for the “North Star Promise” program by extending it to private schools within the state and 2) ensure free college benefits are offered only to those in Minnesota legally. These amendments would ensure that students, no matter what school they choose, would receive assistance (if qualified). It would have also ensured Minnesota tax dollars are being focused first on the education of Minnesotan children and families. Both amendments were voted down on party-line votes by the DFL. Because of these differences in principle, I voted NO for this bill.
Other Bills Passed
HF 3436 – Omnibus Transportation Policy
HF 3589 – In rem jurisdiction for judicial proceedings related to trusts provision
SF 4579 – Single-metered utility service in residential buildings regulations and provisions modifications
HF 3631 – Miscellaneous capital projects appropriations modifications
HF 3454 – Minnesota National Guard referral bonus program for referrals that lead to enlistment or commissioning establishment authorization
HF 3071 – Creating a Plain Language Driver’s Manual and Written Examination Working Group and appropriations
Contact Me
Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out! I truly believe I’m a better legislator when I hear your feedback. I can be reached via email at Sen.Mark.Koran@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-5419. My Legislative Assistant, Melissa Field, is also a great resource if you need assistance! She can be reached at Melissa.Field@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-6200.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in the community soon!
Sincerely,
Minnesota Senate, District 28