Work on District Projects
This week I had hearings for 2 bills that I have authored. The first is a bill that would provide funding to the Lake Crystal community center. This funding would be used to help make critical repairs to the facility like the HVAC system. (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) This community center is used by many, not just in our neighborhood but in the region. Its pools and basketball courts are frequently used to host our school’s games and swim lessons. With nearly 20 years of operation, this facility has become a pillar of our community and an extension of our schools. Thank you to LCARC Director Ryan Yunkers and Lake Crystal City Administrator Taylor Fronau for testifying to this bill.

The second bill would provide funding to the Little Lakers Daycare Center. The planning for this facility has been underway for five years and they have begun renovation of an existing building. With over 50 kids already on the waiting list, and a capacity for 90 children, this childcare facility would meet an economic need for the community. I am grateful to the board of directors for testifying for this project. Senator Rosen is carrying the Senate version of this bill.

Bringing Freedom to MN Counties

Over the past year, I have heard from hundreds of constituents deciding whether or not to move to Iowa or South Dakota due to the large discrepancy in regulatory and tax burdens that St Paul has offered. This is especially prevalent in communities near the borders. After watching Oregon and California vote on initiatives to allow rural counties to join neighboring Idaho, many have asked me about the process. House researchers drafted a bill showing this process, and I introduced it yesterday as House File 2423.
The response from supporters and opposers has been very large. Even South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem weighed in. Governors of both of the Dakotas have been running active campaigns to poach employers from our communities, convincing companies and families to move across the border. This bill would allow everyone to stay put and would bring the border to us. I hope that this bill highlights the economic and regulatory discrepancies between Minnesota and neighboring States and the decimation caused to border communities over time.
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