Legislative Update

On Thursday the House passed House File 975 which allows for people who have had their car towed to be able to retrieve necessary medications or identification from their impounded vehicle. I am proud to be a co-author on this legislation that provides clarity and reasonable accommodation to those who are already in a difficult situation. Being without certain medications can be a life-or-death situation in some instances. We should afford humanity to everyone no matter their situation and this legislation will be one important way that we can do that.

In committee this week I brought forward a number of my bills to address workforce needs in Steele county as well as fund the Learn to Earn grant program. These are both ways we can train and maintain a talented workforce in our community. Workforce development is continually shown to bring a number of benefits to a community including reduced poverty rates, a higher quality of life, and often more civic engagement from individuals and families who are building a deeper connection with their neighbors. You can find these bills and all of the bills I?ve authored here.

The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) has released another report on the Southwest Light Rail, this time looking at the policies and practices within the Metropolitan Council lead to the massive delays and cost overruns. The OLA Report outlines the failures in decision-making, scheduling, and transparency of the met council during the project that was originally to be completed this year but is now projected to take until 2027.