Friends and neighbors,

As the Senate works through the last month or so of Session, we are focused on building a budget that will help Minnesotans recover from COVID and return to life as we previously knew it. These budgets may look a little differently than they have in the past with all the uncertainty of the last year, but the main focus is ensuring opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Minnesotans. 

The Senate budget addresses and encourages good governance and removal of waste throughout many sectors of Minnesota life. The budget the Senate is working on will be affected by Federal dollars being received by the state of Minnesota. I serve on the Agriculture Committee, which this year has focused on recovering from COVID fallout for many agricultural industries like meat processing. This bill reflects federal dollars and funds broadband in rural areas, specifically unserved and underserved communities where the need is greatest. There is also funding for mental health and safety measure for our farmers. The Senate is focused on the lives of farmers in fields, not the bureaucrats in their home offices.

One thing that stood out to me last week, due to the timeliness and speed with which the Legislature acted, was in the Judiciary Committee. We voted to remove complicated, out of touch language from statute affecting victims of sexual assault. Due to what is known as the “intoxication loophole,” the Supreme Court recently overturned a sexual assault conviction because the victim was “voluntarily inebriated.” The law should never favor the criminal over the victim, and many Minnesotans spoke out on the issue encouraging quick action from the Legislature to protect victims. The Judiciary Committee included this provision in their budget bill and as long as the House and Governor agree, it will become law. I am proud to be part of the group to shed light on this important issue and bring justice to victims. 

Starting this week, there will be major construction in our area along I-94. Improvements include more travel lanes, bridge replacements, new bridges, improved drainage, and the resurfacing of deteriorating pavement. This will impact the westbound stretch from Maple Grove to Rogers and the eastbound stretch from St. Michael to Albertville. While construction crews work on our highway, remember to drive carefully and be alert for new changes on the construction zones. 

I appreciate your feedback and am available to hear your concerns not only on these issues, but any other state legislative issue you have. Please reach out to my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce