Dear neighbors,

The second committee deadline has come and gone, which means that most bills must have had a hearing in both the House and the Senate. These deadlines are meant to ensure there is enough time to adequately vet and debate legislation before the end of the legislative session on May 21.

As we head into Easter weekend, I’d like to wish all of you a blessed time of year. This weekend is for gathering with family and friends and celebrating the tremendous sacrifice made for all of us. The legislature will be on spring break next week, returning on April 9 to begin the final stretch of the session.

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Pension reform

Earlier this week, the Senate passed a landmark reform package to close the state’s unfunded public pension liability gap, which is one of the largest in the nation. The bill closes unfunded pension commitments by implementing a series of benefit reforms, increasing employer and employee contributions, adjusting retiree cost of living adjustments, and with some state funding. The overhaul will save Minnesota $6.1 billion over a 30-year period, $3.4 billion of which is immediate savings even though there are some upfront costs to incur. Not only is this important to our pensions, but also for the state bond rating.

Ditch mowing

Legislation is moving through the Senate to enact another one-year moratorium on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) ditch mowing mandate. Last year, legislation was passed that placed a moratorium on MnDOT’s ability to enforce unreasonable restrictions on farmers’ and landowners’ abilities to mow or bale along state highway rights-of-way. After a series of statewide listening sessions, MnDOT issued a report to the legislature, which did not include substantive policy recommendations. This year’s legislation would enact another one-year moratorium on MnDOT enforcing the ditch mowing rule to allow for further public input and meaningful recommendations for how to move forward.

Childcare legislation

I am carrying a bill for childcare reform. It does not go nearly as far as I would like it to go, but it is aiding in focusing attention on the childcare crisis Minnesota is facing – particularly in rural communities. In my testimony on this bill, I told the department that, by the end of the year, I would like a report on this issue. I don’t want just a report listing the providers’ issues with the various rules and regulations; I want them to tell us what problems they have solved. We will see!

Fireworks

A bill to legalize the sale of certain fireworks in Minnesota has passed several Senate committees and awaits action by the full body. Currently, Minnesotans head across the border to buy fireworks – most of which are technically illegal in Minnesota. The bill would legalize more types of consumer fireworks and authorize local governments to impose an annual sales permit fee for consumer fireworks. The fate of this bill is uncertain as it has been taken up numerous times in the past, only to be quashed on the floor. I know there is opposition to this bill from various law enforcement and fire officials — although I have not heard much input on this issue, there are generally some sparks caused by this type of bill.

Constituent visits

As we continue debate on many important issues, hearing from constituents is a major factor in making decisions. If you find yourself at the Capitol in Saint Paul, I’d love to meet with you and/or your group to hear about which issues matter to you. My legislative assistant, Alec, will be happy to assist you in planning your visit. You can reach my office at (651) 296-5650.

Perry Olson and Adam Duerre with the Minnesota Trucking Association

Yours truly,

-Bill