Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
We have fewer than four weeks left in the legislative session before our constitutional adjournment on May 22. We’re spending less time on the House Floor and in committee to allow time for conference committees to meet and iron out differences between House and Senate proposals. Here is an update:
Building and infrastructure bill
Tuesday, I supported my House DFL colleagues pushing for passage of a bonding bill. Bonding invests in needed infrastructure improvements throughout Minnesota. These projects include things like repair and replacement of crumbling bridges, upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities, and rail safety improvements. Last year, House Republicans introduced a failed bonding proposal at the last minute, putting these projects on hold and costing Minnesotans millions. It has been several years since a large bonding bill was passed, and as interest rates rise, the costs of these projects does too.
Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol
Clean energy businesses and advocates lobbied the legislature on Tuesday, in the wake of the House Republican plan to roll back Minnesota’s progress in building a clean energy economy.
I am fighting for additional progress toward more renewable energy. We are working for an increase in the state’s renewable energy standard from 25% in 2025 to 50% in 2030. Clean energy businesses are located across the state, and their employees make on average $71,000, 42 percent higher than the state average. This is a growing field with numerous opportunities in Minnesota and across the country. I’ll continue to promote the creation and expansion of wind and solar business in our state.
Conference Committees
Conference committees are deliberating differences between House and Senate versions of the major budget bills. If you would like to learn which members are serving on the conference committees and follow their progress, click HERE.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Minnesotans can dispose of unwanted prescription medicine anonymously and for free this Saturday at dozens of sites around the state. To find a site near you click on Dose of Reality webpage on the Minnesota Attorney General’s website.
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Contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative