Politics & Government

District 39 Legislators Prioritize Fish and Game Licenses, Racino

Last week legislative activity resumed after a spring break.

Rep. Rick Hansen (D-District 39) introduced a bill last week to revive discussion of targeted fee increases and new license options for game and fish. The same provisions were at one time part of the Department of Natural Resources agency bill, but were stripped in committee.

The executive branch recommendations are supported by Gov. Mark Dayton.

 “I felt it was important to introduce the governor’s initiative,” said Hansen. “I know it’s never easy to ask for a fee increase, but it’s important because the game and fish fund is going to be out of balance in the near future. As we move toward the end these provisions need to be part of the final negotiations.”

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Both Hansen and Sen. James Metzen (D-District 39) have introduced bonding proposals to build a $3.5 million pedestrian crossing over Robert Street in West St. Paul. The walkway will connect the North Urban Trail system by Thompson Lake to the Lilydale and Mendota Heights area.

Metzen is keenly watching the debate over racinos developing this week. SF1046 sponsored by Sen. David Senjem (R-29) would allow slot machines at racetracks in Minnesota. Metzen says the measure would bring in much needed revenue without tax increases. “First of all, there’s 18 Indian casinos already in this state. They’ve had a 20-year head start. I don’t think a couple machines at two tracks is going to hurt anybody,” Metzen said. “Sometimes there’s three or four gas stations on a corner.”

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Metzen also has what he described as “wedge issues” on his mind. A constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and required voter ID measures among them. “All these social issues are bogus,” said Metzen. “I think the voters say, ‘Get along, solve the problems and quit fighting.'”

Sen. Jim Metzen

Status updated:

West Saint Paul north urban regional trail crossing bond issue and appropriation. SF1394 awaits a hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. introduced May 4

—Child care assistance provider rate differential for accreditation modification. SF1394 awaits a hearing in the Health and Human Services  Committee. introduced April 27

 —A bill for elevator code changes compliance timeline modification awaits a final vote on the Senate floor. SF617 introduced March 4

No change:

— Jobs and economic development appropriations. SF899 Portions of this bill were incorporated into SF887, the Senate’s jobs and economic development omnibus appropriations bill. introduced March 16

—Small business investment tax credit provisions modifications. SF790 incorporated into SF887 introduced March 14

 

—Inflow and infiltration reduction program metropolitan area grants appropriation. SF797 awaits a hearing in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. introduced March 14

—Water quality enhancement citizen participation in the Star Lakes pilot program appropriation. SF796 awaits a hearing in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. introduced March 14 

—A bill for probate and appointment proceedings time period modification awaits a hearing in the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. SF587 introduced March 4

—A bill for trunk highway #55 and county state-aid highway #63 (Argenta Trail) interchange construction environmental impact statement and scoping bond issue and appropriation awaits a hearing in the Transportation Committee. SF484 introduced Feb. 28

—A resolution urging support for the Republic of China as a part of the global community awaits a hearing in the State Government and Innovation Committee. SF483 introduced Feb. 28  

—A bill for an act relating to capital investment; appropriating money for the Darvan Acres Nature Center; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds. SF482 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill relating to natural resources; appropriating money from the Outdoor Natural Heritage Fund for Darvan Acres Nature Center awaits a hearing in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. SF481 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill relating to capital improvements; appropriating $250,000 in bond proceeds for a transit facility on the Robert Street Corridor awaits a hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. SF531 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill relating to energy; regulating projects funded by renewable development
account awaits a hearing in the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee. SF495 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill providing Trunk highway #52 noise barrier replacement bond issue and appropriation of $3 million awaits a hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. SF391 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill providing bonding money for inflow and infiltration projects awaits a committee hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. This is the companion bill to HF74. SF49 introduced Jan. 18

— A bill providing $240,000 for Inver Grove Heights historical buildings rehabilitation and capital improvements grant bond issue and appropriation of $240,000 awaits a committee hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. SF297 introduced Feb. 10

 

Rep. Rick Hansen

Status updated:

West Saint Paul; North Urban Regional Trail grade separated crossing funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF1649 awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. introduced May 3

—Game and fish; license, stamp, and account revenue disposition modified, license requirements and fees modified, and money appropriated. HF1583 awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance committee. introduced April 27

—Political party inclusion on the income tax form and property tax refund return qualification requirements modified, and candidate filing periods modified. HF1454 awaits a hearing in the Government Operations and Elections Committee. introduced April 14

A technical bill to modify legislative auditor governing provisions. HF1332 awaits a final vote on the House floor. introduced March 30

No change:

Phase 1 Capitol security and access improvements money appropriated. HF1287 awaits a hearing in the State Government Finance  Committee. introduced March 23

—Water supply and groundwater degradation prevention provided, and money appropriated from the clean water fund. HF1127 awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. introduced March 14

Legislative Environment Commission established; Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, and Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources eliminated; water system improvement loan program eliminated; appropriations from outdoor heritage fund modified; and appointments provided. HF1073 awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. introduced March 14

—A bill to provide funds for the state Capitol building was reviewed and laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus appropriations bill in the Legacy Funding Division. HF777 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill to provide competitive grant money for arts education to k-12 students awaits a hearing in the Legacy Funding Division. HF778 introduced Feb. 28

—A bill to allow Mighty Duck grants to be used for new or renovated air handling systems of indoor ice facilities awaits a hearing in the State Government and Finance Committee. HF684 introduced Feb. 24

— A bill providing bonding money for Highway 52 barrier replacement awaits a hearing in the Transportation Policy and Finance Committee. HF477 introduced Feb. 14

—A bill providing $1 million to the city of South St. Paul to replace a pumping station on the floodwall awaits a hearing in the Jobs and Economic Development Committee. This is the companion bill to SF145. HF277 introduced Jan. 31

— A bill providing bonding money for inflow and infiltration projects awaits a committee hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. HF74 introduced Jan. 13

—A bill providing $25 million in bonds for conservation easements to be purchased by the Board of Water and Soil Resources, with priority given to flood prone land in southeast Minnesota awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. HF109 introduced Jan. 18  


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