Legislative Update
I am excited to be introducing a bill that aims to improve the health and safety of our community while protecting our local environment by funding improvements to our wastewater management. Wastewater, which includes used water from homes, businesses, and industrial processes, can contain harmful pollutants that can pose a threat to public health and the environment if not managed properly. HF 2179 has bipartisan support to provide this needed infrastructure to Goodhue County and I look forward to presenting this bill as it heads through the committee process.
On the house floor this week we submitted our minority report to the education omnibus bill. In contrast to the current bill, our report focuses on providing solutions that get students back on track after nearly three years of learning loss. Currently, less than half of our students can read at grade level. Our plan provides resources to get students science-backed curriculum, train teachers on the best practices for implementing this curriculum, and provide access to tutors so that students can make up lost time.
Another important legislative preces from Wednesday, 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 that 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.
What are your thoughts on this massive blunder by the Met Council and state government? Share your thoughts with me on this or any other important legislative concerns you may have.
|
