Legislative Update - Week 2

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

Our hearts are broken and sick with grief for the police officers and paramedic who lost their lives in the line of duty last weekend in Burnsville. We mourn the devastating loss with the families, friends, and co-workers of these fallen heroes. We stand in solidarity with the Burnsville Police Department, the Burnsville community, and all law enforcement and first responders throughout the state of Minnesota.

This tragic and horrific incident marks the eighth time in just the past ten months that law enforcement officers have been wounded or killed by gunfire in or near Minnesota. Assaults against police officers have skyrocketed in recent years, from 400 incidents in 2019 to over 900 in 2023. It’s on all of us to contribute to a culture that respects and appreciates the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s police officers and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

May God Bless the family and friends of Officer Matthew Ruge, Officer Paul Elmstrand, and Paramedic Adam Finseth.

Advocating for 911 Dispatchers

911 dispatchers are the “first first responders” on the frontlines of public safety. They respond to emergency calls dealing with everything from fire, crime, mental health crises, fraud, administering CPR, delivering babies, active shooters, and more.

This week, I met with a group of 911 dispatchers to discuss HF 3966, a bill I authored to define their profession as “public safety telecommunicators,” provide training and certification standards, and improve access to long-term benefits.

It’s time to pass HF 3966 and give 911 dispatchers the recognition and support they deserve!

The Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative

This week, I stood with a bipartisan group of legislators and a broad coalition of housing advocates in support of the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative. This session, I’m co-authoring legislation to dismantle barriers and unlock our state’s housing potential. 

Our bill would bolster the state’s “missing middle” housing supply and provide more affordable family homes. “Missing middle” housing is defined by sizes ranging from duplexes to courtyard apartments, and includes alternative dwelling units.

With more than 600,000 Minnesotans paying more than 30% of their income on housing costs, this bill is the right thing to do. If we don’t act now, it won’t be long until Minnesota is like cities on the coast, where you need a million dollars to afford a home. We can’t let that happen. 

You can learn more about the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative here. 

“From the Capitol” Radio Interview

Be sure to tune in to WJON every Wednesday at 10:40am, when I join Kelly Cordes to discuss the latest legislative news. This week, we talked about the tragedy in Burnsville and my legislative efforts to support our police officers, including the MN100 Club license plates, which you can learn more about here.

You can listen to our conversation here.

Stay Connected

As this year’s legislative session starts to take shape, now is the best time to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas you have regarding my work in the Minnesota House. Always feel free to email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-6612.

You can also stay up to date by following my official Facebook page, subscribing to these regular email updates if you haven’t already, and checking my legislative webpage for the latest information from my office. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B