Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday was the first in a series of deadlines to help legislators focus their efforts before session ends. A special thanks to all the legislative and agency staffers for their hard work during this busy time of year. Your commitment to public service and contributions to the great state of Minnesota are much appreciated.
Gun Violence Prevention Measures Halted
After weeks of sustained protests, calls and emails in the wake of the Parkland, Florida shooting, any progress on stopping senseless gun violence has ended for this year. Hopes were high last week when a bipartisan group of Senators introduced two bills: one for criminal background checks on all gun purchases and most transfers, and a second that would combat straw purchases by requiring gun owners to report missing or stolen guns. Senate Republican leadership said they have no intention of hearing those bills.
On Wednesday, Rep. Dave Pinto moved to revisit his bills for criminal background checks and “extreme risk protection orders” so they could continue along the committee process. House Republicans voted him down and with the policy deadline on Thursday of this week, they are essentially done for this year. There’s a great Star Tribune editorial entitled “Minnesota House shuts down gun safety bills.”
On Thursday, dozens of students held a silent protest outside of the House Chamber. Instead of a more common sit-in, students called it a “die-in” to remind lawmakers of the cost of inaction.
March for Our Lives
Tomorrow morning, Minnesota students and allies across the state are marching in Saint Paul from Harriet Island to the State Capitol to demand action on gun violence prevention from legislative leaders. This coordinated effort stems from a student rally organized in Washington, D.C. and has spread to communities across the country. You can learn more details of the event here.
The momentum continues to build; I hope to see you and your family there!
MNLARS funding signed by the Governor
After weeks of delays the House and Senate finalized a compromise to deliver a one-time emergency transfer of $10 million from existing driver and vehicle services operating accounts allowing the MNLARS repairs to continue. It’s about time. Minnesotans expect a system that works, and if it doesn’t they expect it to be fixed. This proposal is very similar to one I tried to help pass three weeks ago. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and the repairs have become even more complicated as key engineers and developers have abandoned the project because of these delays. While I am disappointed and frustrated that it took so long to get to this point, I am glad repairs will continue to speed up progress on titles, tabs and other essential DMV functions.
Bloomington’s Curbside Cleanup
It’s officially spring! Time to start cleaning in preparation for the Citywide Curbside Cleanup. This popular program is a great opportunity to dispose of bulky unusable items that are not routinely collected by your trash hauler.
Residents who pay the annual cost for the program are eligible to participate in the cleanup. If Citywide Curbside Cleanup is listed on your utility bill, your home is eligible to participate. Apartments and some town homes may not be included in the program, so contact your management or homeowner’s association to see if they pay for the service, or call the City Utility Billing Department at 952-563-8726.
For more information on your neighborhoods pick up date and a list of acceptable and not acceptable materials go to: https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/mnt/citywide-curbside-cleanup
Please let me know if you have any questions. It is an honor to represent our community at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative