Legislative Update - Taylor Swift, Free Park Day, and Donuts

Dear Granite City Neighbors, 

We’re wrapping up another week in St. Paul, where we’ve been spending an increasing amount of time on the House Floor, debating and passing policy proposals. Many of these policy bills are the culminating work of our committees this year, and while some of them still have a couple more hoops to jump through before they’re sent to Governor Walz, they’re shaping up to be great bills for Minnesotans. 

If you’re interested, you can read these nonpartisan summaries of the committee policy bills we’ve passed so far, covering the areas of Transportation, Early Education, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Public Safety, Elections, Environment and Natural Resources, Human Services, and Commerce.

Here’s a quick update covering other legislation we’ve been working on as well as some upcoming events:

RSVP for Donuts with Dan!

Don’t forget - I’m holding another “Donuts with Dan” office hours this upcoming Monday, April 22, from 4-6pm at the Carpenters Union Local 930 at 24086 Highway 15, Saint Augusta, MN 56301. 

We only have a month left of the legislative session, and I want to touch base with you before we dive into the final weeks!

You can RSVP for this event by clicking here.

I’m proud to partner with Carpenters Union Local 930 to fight for working families and good paying jobs at the Capitol, and I’m grateful to partner with them to host this constituent outreach event.

Regardless of whether you’re able to join me for some donuts, always feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you may have - your input is invaluable to my work in the Minnesota House.

Taylor Swift and Fairer Fees

You don’t have to be a Swiftie to have gone through the frustrating process of trying to purchase tickets, only to end up with a final price that’s way more expensive than what was initially advertised. 

I heard from many constituents who experienced a frustrating fiasco when attempting to buy tickets for Taylor Swift’s concert in Minneapolis. That’s why I voted YES to pass the Ticket Transparency Act.

This bill requires fair, transparent ticket pricing for events, including clear, concise disclosure of all aspects of the price of a ticket and other important protections for consumers. But it’s not just concert tickets that are impacted by hidden fees - hotels, meals, and credit cards can also have costs that come as a surprise, which is why I also voted to pass legislation to end these junk fees.

Both of these bills are a win for consumers! What something costs shouldn’t be a secret to Minnesotans.

Free Park Day!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27 for the latest Free Park Day in Minnesota! All of Minnesota’s beautiful state parks will have free admission, and so far the weather is shaping up to be perfect!

Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!

You can find more info on Free Park Day here. 

Recycling Electronic Waste

Last week, I joined a few of my House colleagues for a tour of Integrated Recycling Technologies, right here in St. Cloud! Across Minnesota, there is a need for comprehensive electronic waste recycling, and the folks at IRT are the gold standard!

Shout out to Tony Celt for showing us around! 

“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 provides an update on the legislature's third committee deadline, legislation to protect children online, being named "Friend of the Year" by the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education, the "Taylor Swift" bill, and a proposal to bring a Hubert Humphrey statue to the US Capitol.

You can catch our conversation here.

You can tune in every week to hear me on WJON, Wednesdays at 10:40am.

Stay Connected

Thank you for reading this week’s update! Regardless of whether you can join me for donuts on Monday, always feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you may have. You can email me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-6612.

As always, 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.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B