Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the season of changing colors and cooler weather.
A lot has been happening around the state and at the Capitol.
Here’s an update from St. Paul:
A Plan for Robo Calls
Earlier this month, my House colleagues announced plans for cracking down on predatory ‘robo-calls’. These spoofed calls are on the rise in Minnesota, with reporting showing approximately 58 calls per person in 2019 so far. Scammers are using the latest technology to swindle people, especially the elderly and vulnerable populations, and it’s time to fight back. Minnesotans are sick and tired of these invasive calls. I look forward to supporting this common-sense legislation when it’s introduced at the start of the 2020 session in February.
Climate Action Caucus
Last week I participated as the House Climate Action Caucus kicked off a series of community events with a conversation about transportation! One of our goals as a caucus is bringing people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise together. We’re holding these public hearings so Minnesotans can join legislators and experts at the table and be part of creating a bold plan to combat climate change.
The first community conversation was dedicated to transportation because it’s the largest source of Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions. We had a great discussion about this with several experts and the Minnesotans who joined us. Some of the potential solutions we discussed were expanding public transportation, supporting electric vehicles, and promoting biofuels.
Tomorrow, I’m planning to be present as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency holds a public meeting in Burnsville about Governor Walz’ latest initiative to address climate change and reduce air pollution in Minnesota, Clean Cars Minnesota.
- Wednesday, October 30, 2019, from 5-7 p.m.: Burnsville City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN, 55337
The MPCA’s proposed Clean Cars Minnesota rule would adopt two clean car standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in our state. Representatives from MPCA will present information about each of the standards with opportunities for questions and discussion, and an open house to follow.
Minnesota Values Project
The Minnesota Values Project is an ongoing partnership between Minnesotans and the legislature. We’re working together to create a shared vision for the future of our state, and your input is an important part of this process! You can let us know what’s important to you, your community, and Minnesota by taking a quick survey here.
Please reach out anytime with feedback. I welcome questions anytime!
Sincerely,
Steve Elkins
State Representative