Legislative Update - Week 3

Dear Granite City Neighbors, 

I write to you today with a heavy heart. On Wednesday, I had the profound honor of attending the funeral service for Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Paramedic Adam Finseth. Our state will be forever grateful for the brave and courageous sacrifices these heroes made in the line of duty out of love and commitment to the community they so honorably served.  We pray for their friends, family, colleagues, and the Burnsville community.

We’re wrapping up Week 3 at the Minnesota Legislature, and the road ahead for our work is really starting to take shape, especially with the recent news from our updated budget and economic forecast.

The latest numbers show that our state’s economy is growing, thanks in large part to the resiliency of Minnesotans and the historic investments and policies we enacted last year. We must continue managing our state’s finances in an effective, responsible manner, while being responsive to communities across the state by investing in a local jobs and projects package. 

That’s why I believe that now is the time to pass a bonding bill that brings a medical school to Central Minnesota, revitalizes downtown St. Cloud, and updates the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. 

Here’s the latest from the State Capitol:

Supporting Our Firefighters

At Fire Service Day at the Capitol this week, I met with some incredible public servants from the St. Cloud Fire Department. I’m authoring legislation to improve firefighters pensions and make sure these heroes get the retirement benefits they deserve.

I am so grateful for the service and sacrifice of our firefighters, and will continue to be a champion for them at the Capitol.

That helmet is one of my most prized possessions, given to me from the officers of IAFF Local 464 after completing a Fire Ops Training in 2019.

Modernizing the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Act with CJ Ham

This year, I’m carrying bipartisan legislation that would modernize Minnesota’s Athletic Trainers Act, and I’ve got some friends helping me - including Minnesota Vikings fullback, CJ Ham!

CJ and Maranna, an athletic trainer for the Minnesota Vikings, stopped by the Capitol this week to help garner support for my bill. As a 9th grade football coach, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing athletic trainers who do so much to support the physical and psychological well-being of our student athletes. They deserve our support by modernizing the Athletic Trainers Act, which hasn’t been updated in over 30 years!

Check out this fun video I made about our bill with CJ and Maranna 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's episode was pre-recorded as I attended the funeral of the Burnsville public safety officers on Wednesday. 

We discuss teaming up with CJ Ham to modernize the Athletic Trainers Act, pensions, a preview of the state's budget forecast, and investing in our libraries.

MPCA Small Business Environmental Loan Program

St. Cloud businesses looking to reduce on-site air emissions, clean up contamination, or generate less waste can now apply for the MPCA Small Business Environmental Loan program. The program offers zero-interest loans up to $75,000 to tackle these high-impact projects. You can learn more and apply 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 hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the glorious weather!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B