Tag: Andrew Carlson

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 31, 2019

 

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re having a great week and are looking forward to our warm-up over the weekend!

The House stayed open during our cold snap and committees kept busy, especially in the Labor Division and Health and Human Services Policy. Read about their work below and the significant legislative proposals moving forward.

Supporting Minnesota Families

All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be successful, but too many have to choose between work and taking care of a new baby or loved one. This is why on Wednesday, the first hearings were held for the Paid Family & Medical Leave Bill. This bill would allow eligible workers to have up to 12 weeks of paid leave from work in order to provide support to their family. The program itself would be modeled after the existing unemployment program. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 31, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 23, 2019

 

Dear Neighbors,

It’s starting to feel more like January here in Minnesota. I hope this update finds you well- and enjoying the snow.

COMMITTEE HEARINGS BEGIN

Last week, House committees held their first public hearings, which were largely informational presentations by state agencies to get new legislators up to speed on budget and policy issues (and provide updates for returning legislators).

‘HANDS FREE’ CELL PHONE BILL ADVANCES

Yesterday the House Transportation Policy & Finance Committee advanced the ‘hands-free’ cell phone bill, which would require drivers to use their devices in hands-free mode. A driver would not be required to use their phone or other device hands free if they are safely parked out of traffic or for emergencies. As a co-sponsor of the bill, I’m looking forward to voting ‘green’ on this life saving measure once it reaches the House Floor for final passage. Minnesotans deserve to be safe on our roadways, crosswalks and bike lanes. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 23, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 10, 2018

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

On Tuesday we kicked off the 2019 Minnesota Legislative Session. I am honored to be representing you and our community in St. Paul. I’ll stay committed to working in a way that reflects our shared values, and delivering reasonable solutions which give everyone an opportunity to succeed. Tuesday was a special day of celebration, having my family join me at the Capitol for our swearing-in ceremony.

This session, I’ll be serving as the Vice Chair of the State Government Finance

Division. Additionally, I’ve been appointed to the following House Committees: Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division; Commerce; Property and Local Tax Division; and Ethics. I’m looking forward to the work on each of these assignments, all of which are important to Bloomington residents.

To maintain our strong economy, it’s vital to invest in what has made Minnesota such an excellent place to live. We’ve long prided ourselves on having good public schools, but local budget cutback Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 10, 2018”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 14, 2018

 

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The end of the year is approaching quickly. This also means the 2019 legislative session is around the corner. Members are still waiting to find out which legislative committees they will serve on. The committee assignments heavily shape the type of work each member will focus on for the legislative session. While we wait for those to be announced I wanted to pass on a few other tidbits.

MN Dept. of Revenue offers tips for tax filing prep
As you look ahead to filing your taxes, the MN Dept. of Revenue has been updating their systems since the end of the 2018 legislative session to accommodate the differences between the federal and Minnesota tax laws. To learn more, you can click on this link. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 14, 2018”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 7, 2018

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday’s news of a positive budget balance gives us the opportunity to help Minnesotans build a more prosperous future for themselves. I have heard continuously from our Bloomington neighbors they want policymakers to address the economic challenges they face: health care costs, tuition, saving for retirements, and child care expenses. I am ready to join with Governor-elect Walz to tackle these challenges. MPR provided a good overview – you can read it here.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson
State Representative

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 30, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

I have great news! The Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit that goes from Minneapolis through Bloomington to Burnsville received full funding. The Orange Line will connect Minneapolis, Richfield, Bloomington, and Burnsville along I-35W, providing frequent, all-day service in both directions, seven days a week. The route is an upgrade and will replace the existing local Route 535 with enhanced service and amenities, and new station features will benefit other transit riders along the I-35W corridor. If you would like more information check out the METRO Orange Line web page by clicking here.

Here are a few other announcements from the Capitol.

MN House Committee Structure announced
The MN House DFL Majority has announced the 2019-20 committee structure and leadership staff. Click here to view.

Minnesota House Jobs Postings
As the MN House transitions to a DFL Majority, there are a number of employment opportunities. Go to the House web page to check for availabilities. But hurry, some of the positions close soon.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson
State Representative

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 21, 2018

 

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are looking forward to spending some quality time with friends and family over the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a busy time of year and it is easy to not realize how quickly the days go by. Here are a few updates from that Capitol that I wanted to pass along.

FREE STATE PARK FRIDAY
Gov. Dayton has announced “Free Park Friday” in Minnesota on Friday, November 23. Entrance fees to all of our state parks and recreation areas will be waived. Enjoy the beauty and diversity of Minnesota parks without a fee! Click here for more information.

LOW-INCOME VETERANS APPLY FOR HEATING ASSISTANCE
Low-income veterans are being encouraged to apply for help paying heating bills through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Click here for general information on the program. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 21, 2018”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: July 19, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

I hope summer has been treating you well. We all know summer in Minnesota is truly something special. No matter our differences, we come together to enjoy everything our state and community has to offer. I hope you can get out and enjoy some time with family and friends, and get to know our neighbors.

Night to Unite / National Night Out

Tuesday, August 7th, is Minnesota Night to Unite and National Night Out. These events are held the first Tuesday in August in neighborhoods across the country to celebrate a commitment to our safe communities. If you would like me to stop by an event in your neighborhood, please let me know and I will try to attend. I am hoping to get to as many neighborhood events as possible. So if you see me, please say hi and introduce yourself! Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: July 19, 2018”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) – Legislative Update

 

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are getting ready for a fantastic 4th of July. While most people think of Independence Day when they think of early July, Minnesota policymakers also think about the new laws that take effect on July 1st.

This year the House and Senate Majorities decided to combine nearly all of the proposals we worked on this year into one large proposal. There certainly were a lot of programs with bipartisan support, but there were too many controversial programs that Governor Dayton would not support and promised to veto. Which means just a handful of new laws take effect July 1, 2018. Among the topics addressed are: athletic trainers, claims against the state and tweaks to a development fund. To read more click here. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) – Legislative Update”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: June 8, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for the honor of serving Bloomington in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The 2018 Legislative Session finished and the dust has settled. It seems that everything can be spilt into three groups: the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, there is a lot more work that needs to be done if we are to build an economy that works for everyone and a better future for all Minnesotans.

There were some bright spots for Bloomington. I am glad we passed funding for $12 million in upgrades at Normandale Community College, $15 million for renovations at Fort Snelling state park, and $10 million in funding for metro parks, which supports regional parks in our community. The 494 and 35W interchange was selected for a $204 million upgrade to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. We also reformed the state’s pension programs, which will stabilize pensions for teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other state workers for years to come. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: June 8, 2018”