Legislative Update - The 2024 Legislative Session

Hello Friends, 

The legislative session has adjourned, Shakopee schools wrap up this week, and summer is within reach! 

I want to thank you again for the incredible honor of being Shakopee’s representative in the Minnesota House. The past few years have been some of the most productive in state history, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. 

Last year, the Legislature passed our major two-year budget bills, and this year we built on that progress by passing small supplemental budgets alongside more substantial policy changes in major committee areas. Working alongside the Governor and our Senate counterparts, we reached final agreements on all major budget bills - which have now been signed into law. 

You can find nonpartisan summaries about the final agreements here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Health, and Elections. 

These are all great bills, but as Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee, and a member of the Agriculture, Commerce, and Public Safety committees, I’m especially proud of our efforts there. A sampling of some of the new laws I authored include the Education Support Professional Bill of Rights and funding for rumble strips (an issue championed by Shakopee resident Todd Croy).

We also passed a gun violence prevention bill that includes tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill that will increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupational licensure and scoping bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenants’ rights package. 

Shakopee Social District

Another bill that passed this year would expand the eligible communities that can adopt “social districts,” following the success of the state’s first one in Anoka, and I’m excited to say that Shakopee is one of them!

It’s another stellar example of Shakopee stepping up to be part of this pilot program, and it was an honor working across the aisle to make this a possibility. I’m so excited to see what the community does with this next year! You can check out Kare 11’s coverage on Shakopee’s upcoming social district here.

Combatting Emerald Ash Borer

Significantly less fun than a social district is the impact of the emerald ash borer on Shakopee’s trees. I’m sure many of you have seen the effect of this invasive species around town lately. It’s disheartening to see, but we are taking action on the issue - both at the state and local level.

In this year’s Environment and Natural Resources bill, we invested $12 million for planting trees as Minnesota deals with the aftermath of severe weather and emerald ash borer infestations. This is in addition to investments we passed last year. 

Unfortunately, Scott County is currently under a quarantine by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This means people cannot transport any hardwood from Scott County to a non-quarantined county. To avoid transporting emerging beetles to non-infested areas, it is a best practice to avoid pruning and removing ash in emerald ash borer infested areas during the flight season (May-September). 

For more information on efforts the city is taking, I encourage you to check out Shakopee’s webpage on resources, tips, and contact information for combatting the emerald ash borer. 

Free Park Day - June 8

There is no shortage of trees in Minnesota’s State Parks. You can check them out yourself during the next Free Park Day this Saturday, June 8th - no vehicle permits needed! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. 

With a free day each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. Find a state park near you using the DNR’s ParkFinder tool.

Stay Connected

Even though the Minnesota Legislature has adjourned for the year, the work still continues! Please continue to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you may have on how to make Shakopee and Minnesota better! 

You can reach my office through email at Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn.gov or phone at 651-296-8872. You’ll either hear from me or our Legislative Assistant Jared! You can also follow along on my official Facebook Page.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn.gov

Jared Margolis, Legislative Assistant | Jared.Margolis@house.mn.gov