2008 Transportation Bill
Feb 29, 2008 News, Transportation
The 2008 Legislative session has seen, for only the 15th time (9 of those in the Ventura administration) since 1939, a gubernatorial veto. The transportation override means there will be new, dedicated funding for transportation maintenance and projects for years to come. We have known for many years that our transportation infrastructure has suffered from increase in use and a lack of maintenance. The collapse of the 35W bridge brought to the forefront a desperate need to address this issue immediately. We believe we have taken what
is a fiscally sound, major step forward to provide much needed funding that will help address present and future transportation issues. This transportation bill (HF 2800) had wide support from many business, agriculture, labor and environmental groups. Here are some of the details of the bill:
1: The gas tax will increase immediately by 2 cents. This is the first increase in Minnesota in 20 years. On Oct. 1, 2008, the gas tax will again increase by 3 cents. In addition, to help pay off past transportation revenue bonds, there will be a phased in gas surcharge of 3.5 cents by the year 2014. See twincities for more info on projected costs.
2: License tab fee caps are removed and the depreciation schedule is accelerated.
3: There is a proposed 1/4 cent sales tax for the 7 county metro area, which will be dedicated to transit. The 7 counties are Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Dakota, Washington, Anoka, and Carver.
4: A leased motor vehicles sales tax will be dedicated to transportation.
For more info you can go to the House website. How will the transportation bill impact District 25B?
Using the formulas for county and municipal aid, additional aid to each city and county over the next ten years is projected to be as follows:
Northfield: from $495,000 to $1,695,000
Belle Plaine: from $239,000 to $818,000
Scott County: from $5,786,000 to $26,601,000
Rice County: from $3,547,000 to $13,055,000
Many people are unaware that, currently, the largest source of funding for local road and bridge projects is through property tax revenues. Counties, cities and townships have been forced to turn to property tax increases to offset the lack of transportation dollars coming from the State. We intend to reverse that, thereby providing property tax relief.
The DFL plan ensures we will take care of all of our bridges, whether we need to address an aging culvert or the structure of a heavily traveled highway bridge. This is a key portion of the bill, because Minnesota has 13 fracture-critical bridges that score less than 50 on the national sufficiency rating scale. This bill also will be a much-needed shot-in-the-arm for local economies. According to a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study, this bill is anticipated to create, each year for the next 5 years, 30,000 more jobs.
According to the State’s Legislative Auditor, MnDOT did not have enough money to take care of our roads and bridges. It was going broke. Action is needed now if we are to prevent the number of roads, currently rated in poor conditions, to double over the next three years and to prevent dangerous, rural highways and congested freeways from becoming worse.
Take a moment to view short videos of statements from legislators:
Paul Marquart |
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Paul Gardner (recorded in below zero weather)  |
More information can be found at: West Central Tribune , Timberjay 1 ,or Timberjay 2.
The Dan Patch Line
Feb 21, 2008 News, Transportation
In the 2008 legislative session, I’ve introduced new legislation to revive discussions about the previously proposed Dan Patch Commuter Line that would run along the I-35 corridor between Northfield and Minneapolis.
MnDOT undertook a feasibility study in 1999 and determined the Dan Patch line was a “Tier One” corridor. This identified it as a likely successful project. However, in 2002, then Senators William Belanger, R-Bloomington, and Roy Terwilliger, R-Edina, crafted legislation that prohibited any future discussions, at any level, of this plan. According to an article in the Feb 16 Star Tribune by staff writers David Peterson and Laurie Blake, the Met Council is urging the Legislature to lift the study ban so the Dan Patch Line can be included with every other potential rail corridor in the metro area as the Met Council updates its transportation policy guide for the next 30 years.
I’ve often invoked the phrase “If not now, when?” when deciding whether to open discussions on various Legislative actions. To prevent future debate about the Dan Patch Line would not be in the best interests of citizens in my district or any other district. It is important to put this plan back on the table so future discussions about its feasibility can take place. If you have any concerns or interest in the progress of the Dan Patch Line, feel free to e-mail me at rep.david.bly@house.mn.
MN Dept. of Revenue
Feb 16, 2008 News
With tax season upon us, I wanted to remind you that the Department of Revenue coordinates free tax preparation for seniors, disabled citizens, and low-income earners. Volunteers across the state help prepare federal and state tax returns for senior citizens, disabled citizens, and individuals with an income of $30,000 or less ($40,000 or less for families). If you receive tax questions from constituents that you think may qualify, you can direct them to the Department of Revenue website:
Please feel free to e-mail me at rep.david.bly@house.mn or contact me if you have any questions.
Grant Money is Available For 3 Opportunities
The MN Housing Finance Agency is announcing a request for proposal (RFP) for the tribal housing program to provide American Indian communities access to eligible resources available for single- family and owner-occupied and/or multifamily rental housing activities. There are restrictions for eligibility because of income limits and funding priorities, so to request and qualify, view the Minnesota Housing’s website. If you are unable to access the website or need assistance, contact Mary Hieb at (651) 296-8185 or Toll free: (800) 657-3701. Proposals must be received by Minnesota Housing by 5:00 p.m. on or before Thursday, March 27, 2008.
The MN Dept. of Health is seeking applications from statewide nonprofits to administer the Summer Health Care Internship Program. The purpose of the program is to expose interested secondary and post-secondary students to various careers within the health care profession through summer internships with hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and home care providers. Applications are available. Prospective applicants who have questions and/or would like a written copy of the application form may contact the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, Minnesota Department of Health Phone: (651) 201-3851 or toll free: 1-(800) 366-5424. Deadline for proposals is 4:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, March 12, 2008.
The MN Dept. of Human Services is requesting proposals from qualified Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) providers interested in receiving scholarship funds for employee education and training in nursing and other health care fields. The purpose of the HCBS Scholarship fund is to help create meaningful career paths for employees serving in the field of long-term care, specifically those serving in HCBS programs. In addition, this funding supports provider efforts to recruit, retain and train qualified employees and to expand the long-term care workforce. The Request for Proposal (RFP) can be obtained from Munna Yasiri, State Programs Administrator Director, Department of Human Services Continuing Care Administration: Phone: (651) 431-2264 or email: munna.yasiri@state.mn.us. Proposals submitted in response to the RFP in this advertisement must be received at the address above no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, March 7, 2008.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF)
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has available seed money for bio-business ventures and is now offering funds up to $25,000 in seed capital for bio-businesses through the newly created Bio-Seed Fund. These funds are designed to support start up and expanding bio-medical, bio-agriculture and renewable energy businesses.
The new Bio Seed Fund is intended for bio-businesses that need capital, business expertise and networking opportunities. Up to $25,000 is available for prototype development, product testing, working capital, patent opinions and filings, new product tools and fixtures, engineering drawings and market and organizational development.
According to Tim Penny, president of SMIF, “Bio-businesses have long been a staple for southern Minnesota economy, but new research and innovations are presenting even greater opportunities for bio-business growth in the years ahead.
“Bio-business growth is one of SMIF’s focus areas because our region is recognized as an opportune place for this type of business growth. Because bio-business jobs generally pay higher wages and provide additional spin off businesses, SMIF has invested additional resources through the Bio Seed Fund and incentive grants to accelerate this economic development opportunity.
For more details on the Bio Seed Fund or other bio-business resources, visit the SMIF website or contact Diane Lewis at 507 455 3215 or by email at dianel@smifoundation.org.
Click here to view full RFP.
Click here to download application.
The Minnesota Health Plan
Feb 13, 2008 Health Care, News
On February 9, 2008, a date to remember, a group of newly elected freshmen legislators, including myself, introduced a Single Payer Universal Health Plan to members of the Northfield Community. Representatives Carolyn Laine, Shelly Madore, and myself, along with Senator John Marty sponsored a Town Hall meeting at the Library to educate the citizens of Northfield about our proposal for a single payer health system called “The Minnesota Health Plan.”
After hearing a very personal and touching story from Rep. Madore of Apple Valley that involved her daughter diagnosed with a tumor on her spine, we were informed of some very alarming statistics by Rep. Laine. More than 1 trillion dollars has been re-mortgaged in this country of which 40% was actually used to pay expenses attributed to astronomical health care costs. Thousands of families and individuals have extracted money from their college and retirement funds in order to pay for unanticipated health care costs that insurance companies failed or refused to cover.
Approximately 70 people attended, and judging from the questions asked, this proposal generated a great deal of excitement. One woman said she had waited 53 years to witness a movement like this. Other citizens wanted to know answers to more specific questions about what will be covered. Would the plan cover such things as acupuncture, or holistic or more natural approaches to health care? Will dependents or college students be covered? Many of these questions are valid and will not be discounted; however the purpose of this type of forum is to generate interest in the proposal. At this point, the MN Health Plan that we are proposing consists of these details:
1: All Minnesota citizens will be included and covered.
2: We are proposing no deductibles or co-pays.
3: No discrimination regarding pre-conditions.
4: You will have the freedom to choose your own doctor.
5: This coverage will be guaranteed for life.
6: Premiums will be based on your ability to pay.
7: The plan will focus on prevention and early intervention.
You can refer to Mnhealthplan.org for more information. Also available to learn more refer to the Minnesota Universal Health Care Coalition website as well as the Greater Minnesota Health Care Coalition website. As one Carleton student asked, after telling the audience she was just learning issues regarding health care: What opposition could there be to a proposal that had such good and fair goals and what should she be prepared to hear from those that will oppose it? The opposition to this bill will be immense, as Rep. Fritz said; “It is David against Goliath.” However, we have done our research and we will be prepared to defend the merits of this bill. No longer can we stand back and watch Minnesota citizens suffer the consequences of a failed health care policy. The time to act is now!
As we travel across the State of Minnesota presenting our plan to more citizens it is our hope that we will create a groundswell of support for the MN Health Plan. In order for this proposal to take root, attendees will need to get involved and talk to their co-workers, their neighbors, their Doctors and their friends and encourage them to write their legislative representatives and persuade them to support this bill. To assist in the best way possible, download and sign the form I have included then mail to either your Representative or Senator. To view information about your elected officials you can visit the House of Representatives website or the Minnesota Senate website.
MN House District 25B Energy Summit
Feb 4, 2008 Energy, Environment, News
On January 31st, the first ever MN House District 25B energy summit convened at St. Olaf College. Approximately 50 people attended to discuss future energy policies and challenges facing local communities with particular attention devoted to District 25B. After a quick introduction by myself, Rep. Bill Hilty, Chair of the House Energy Committee,
opened with a brief overview of legislation passed last session and an idea of future legislation to come. Various local representatives were present including Mike Bull, assistant Director of the Minnesota Office of Energy Security, George Kinney and several other members of the Northfield Energy Task Force, as well as Paul Blackburn, executive director of Community-Based Energy Development. Also attending was Brenda Ward of the Northfield News. You can see her review in the February 2-3 edition, page 2A.
The meeting brought forth the difficulties we face as we prepare to seek new and ecologically friendly forms of sustainable energy for the future. As Paul Blackburn advised, “money has to be invested into the system” in the forms of purchasing solar panels, wind turbines, etc. and/or other forms of energy producing systems that will create a new and sustainable energy alternative.
Carol Overland, an attorney from Red Wing, attended to bring attention to two proposed energy options currently being considered by the State – The Mesaba plant and CapX2020, a proposal for transmission lines across the state stretching from the Dakotas to Wisconsin. For more of her opposition to these two options you can view the websites legalectric – or nocapx2020 . An alternative site to review for information can be seen on Capx2020.
There was a fair amount of interest in the term “Feed-in Tariffs”, which is the term art for a bill I am introducing. It is a mandated, long-term premium price for renewable energy paid by the local electric utility to energy producers. This is a concept used in Germany that has produced an astonishing 20,000 MW of installed wind capacity with 45% of turbines locally-owned. Right now, the State of Minnesota is only producing 2.5 MW with a lofty and highly unreachable goal of producing 800 MW by the year 2010 as seen in the business section of the St. Paul Pioneer Press of February 1, ’08 (http://www.twincities.com//ci_8134192). For more info on this new and exciting concept, you can view a handout at the NewRules website and contact John Farrel at jfarrell@ilsr.org. You can also read a January 15th article by H.J. CUMMINS, in the Star Tribune about my bill.
Philipp Muessig of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offered information about the agency’s grants of up to $10,000, awarded to cities and counties, for projects that will strengthen and encourage partnerships between citizens and local governments in reducing community greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Technical assistance may also be provided by the Minnesota Climate Change Corps (CCC) – an initiative of the Minnesota Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program. The CCC is comprised of skilled, retired professionals who work on either long or short-term assignments to help reduce a community’s carbon footprint. More information can be found at Nextstep.
In addition, particularly for those in our rural community that burn household garbage in a burn barrel, you may be surprised at some of the information you will find at ‘burnbarrel.’
In his closing statement, Rep. Hilty advised the participants that the terms “alternative and renewable” need to be removed from their vocabulary and replaced with the term “sustainable.” There really isn’t an alternative, at this stage of the game, to fossil fuels.
DFL Caucus
Feb 3, 2008 News
Don’t forget to attend the DFL Caucus on February 5th. Rice County has two caucus locations. If you live in Legislative District 25B you will caucus at the Northfield Middle School (2200 Division St, Northfield). If you live in Legislative District 26B you will caucus at the Faribault Middle School (704 17th Street SW, Faribault). If you are unsure where to caucus, go to www.dfl.org and type in your address and it will tell you where to caucus. Registration begins at 6:30 PM at both places, and the caucus will begin with speakers at 7 PM. You can vote in the presidential preference ballot between 6:30 PM – 8 PM. After that there will be an election of local precinct chairs/associate chairs, election of Rice County/Senate District Convention Delegates and Alternates, and considering resolutions. You can come to vote in the presidential ballot only and then leave or you can stay through the entire process. This is a time for DFL friends and neighbors to get to know each other and share ideas. We would appreciate a large turnout, look forward to your input, and hope you can attend.
Invitation to a Town Hall Meeting
Feb 3, 2008 Health Care, News
I am hosting a Town Hall meeting on Minnesota Health care reform on February 9. For more information see this Town Hall Meeting flyer:
