Greetings,
We continue to see numerous bills being fast-tracked to the House floor with very limited committee debate in some cases. This is problematic when some, but not all, of these bills are extremely controversial.
FEDERAL ROAD FUNDING LEGISLATION APPROVED
A noncontroversial House bill that arrived on the floor this week was approved on a unanimous vote. The Minnesota House approved legislation that authorizes and appropriates $315.5 million in Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) program funding for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) for state road construction.
The federal funding has basically been sitting in limbo for months waiting for legislative authorization to be spent. The bill authorizing its use was sent to the Minnesota Senate for its approval.
“BLACKOUT BILL” WOULD REQUIRE CARBON FREE ENERGY BY 2040
The House majority approved its bill this week forcing Minnesota’s electric utilities to generate or acquire 100 percent carbon-free energy by the year 2040. It’s known as the “blackout bill” by many in St. Paul because eliminating all reliable energy sources in the State of Minnesota
– such as coal – will inevitably lead to rolling blackouts that have been seen in California.
In short, the House majority wants to eliminate all fossil fuels and force our energy companies to only use renewable energy in 17 years. This could create a statewide power grid system that is not only unaffordable, but unreliable and downright dangerous during our winters when a blackout occurs.
WHERE’S THE TAX RELIEF?
While numerous questionable House majority priorities have arrived on the House floor, we have seen nothing on tax relief. During their campaigns, many if not most Democrat candidates expressed support for my bill eliminating the statewide taxation of senior citizens Social Security benefits. Not only are they stepping away from full Social Security tax relief, but Governor Walz and other Democrats are now talking about raising taxes. Remember, Minnesota has an $18 billion surplus.
Know that I continue to fight hard for you against this insanity.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim