Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well. We’re wrapping up another busy week at the Capitol. Read about what I’ve been working on below.
Clean Energy First Bill Advances
To be successful in our fight against climate change, we’re going to need all hands-on deck. That’s why I was so glad to be joined today by a broad coalition in support of my Clean Energy First bill as it was heard in the House Energy Committee. We had interests as diverse as the CEO of Connexus Energy (one of the state’s largest utilities), one of the state’s largest labor unions, and environmental groups, all advocating for the Clean Energy First bill.
Clean Energy First would be a significant step forward in the climate fight here in Minnesota because it would focus our state’s energy policy on carbon reduction, affordability, and reliability. By simply ensuring that new energy production in Minnesota is clean energy if at all possible, we can quickly transition to a clean energy utility sector.
In a somewhat unique situation for a climate change bill, it also has bipartisan support. In fact, the Senate author is Republican Sen. David Senjem of Rochester, who once served as Senate Majority Leader! I have deeply enjoyed and very much appreciate my partnership with Sen. Senjem, and I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the coalition as we fight to make Clean Energy First the law in Minnesota!
Meeting with Constituents
I had a great meeting this morning with the leadership of Anoka Ramsey Community College. We talked about my bill to modernize and expand the nursing and business programs at the college. These popular and successful programs are bursting at the seams in a building that just isn’t up for the job. I am hopeful that this is the year we’ll get the job done!
Coon Rapids Infrastructure Projects
Hearings were held this week on two infrastructure projects I am sponsoring. On Wednesday night the Capital Investment Committee held a hearing on my bill to support the expansion of the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. The Recycling Center is a valuable institution not just for Coon Rapids, but actually for the region and the state. It is one of only two centers in the state (and the only one in the metro) that recycles Styrofoam, handing five football fields worth of Styrofoam each year! The expansion will allow better access to the center and increased capacity.
On Thursday morning, the same committee heard my bill to build a pedestrian bridge over Coon Rapids Blvd near its intersection with Avocet Street. This bridge would be a major regional trail connection, linking the Coon Creek Regional Trail with the various trails that intersect at the Coon Rapids Dam. It is also necessary for public safety. Coon Rapids Blvd is a six lane roadway at this intersection and a major residential development is about to be built just south of the road. Tragically, we had a pedestrian fatality at this intersection just last summer, and I would expect pedestrian traffic to increase substantially once the development is complete.
Stay Connected
Please continue to reach out with any input any time at 651-296-5513 or rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn. I appreciate hearing from you and value your feedback.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative