New Laws in 2025
A host of new laws have taken effect as of January 1. Highlights include banning hidden service fees, requiring insurance to cover the costs of wigs for Minnesotans undergoing cancer treatment, ensuring transparent pricing for concert tickets, protecting renters with a minimum heat requirement of 68 degrees, prohibiting the sale of “binary triggers” on firearms, and so much more. You can find a list of all of the new Minnesota laws here.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority's New e-Jest Vehicles
Last month, I attended the unveiling of the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority’s (MVTA) new e-Jest electric vehicles.
This marks a pivotal moment for MVTA, as they will be the first battery-electric vehicles in the agency's fleet and the first of their kind in the Midwest. These innovative vehicles have already begun serving MVTA Connect routes, which are part of the agency’s microtransit service. You can read more about this service and the details from the Sun Current's coverage here.
The establishment of MVTA in the late 1980s allowed for greater transit collaboration among Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Savage, Prior Lake, and Shakopee. I’m looking forward to what the introduction of the e-Jest vehicles means for our evolving commitment to modernizing transit options while prioritizing our environmental responsibilities.
Thank You, Councilmember Goodwin
I also recently attended an Apple Valley City Council meeting, which held particular significance as it marked Councilmember Tom Goodwin's final session. Tom's dedication to our community is truly commendable; his service to the city spans over 40 years, beginning in 1984—an era when I was a senior in high school.
Throughout his tenure, Tom has played a pivotal role in shaping Apple Valley’s growth, overseeing an increase in population from 25,000 to 60,000 residents. Under his guidance, our infrastructure evolved from dirt roads to well-paved streets, enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens. Furthermore, Tom was instrumental in introducing pickleball, a sport that has undoubtedly brought joy and recreation to many in our community.
Thank you, Councilmember Goodwin, for your many years of service and leadership in our community.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime at [email protected] or 651-296-4306 with questions or to let me know how I can help.
It’s an honor to represent our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan neighbors in St. Paul.
Thank you! I hope to see you on Saturday.
Sincerely,
John
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