Politics & Government
Mendota Heights Legislators Predict Early Finish
Legislators say the number of big bills passed last week indicates the quickened pace of end of session.
Editor's Note: You can also check out our passed by the Senate on Friday.
Mendota Heights-area legislators met with Mendota Heights and last week to talk about the future needs of Mendota Heights at the legislative level.
Issues discussed with the Mendota Heights delegation included opportunities for the state to help with an overhaul of the Dodd Road and Highway 110 intersection, development opportunities for the business park, and trails.
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There are no local projects being advanced at the state level during this bonding session for Mendota Heights, Mendota or Lilydale, though there are examples of legislation and state issues with .
“They don’t ask for much,” said Sen. Jim Metzen (D-South St. Paul).
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Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South St. Paul) described his Mendota Heights-area constituents as, “low demand but high contact,” meaning they are more involved in the legislative process and more likely to communicate with his office. Residents from Mendota Heights are also regular visitors as part of the many organizations and lobby groups that come to the Capitol.
Over by Easter and Passover?
Both legislators are preparing for an early end to session. Omnibus bills, such as the tax bill passed Wednesday night in the House, are making progress.
Bonding bills, which pay for capital projects throughout the state by issuing debt, were offered by the majority party in both the House and the Senate.
“I think we’re going to be done by Passover/Easter,” said Hansen. “The going-all-night stuff is a symptom of the end of session.”
Metzen said the priorities for legislators should be passing a jobs bill, a bonding bill and a stadium bill, though he doubted a stadium bill could be passed. Then, he said, “we should probably go home.”
Sen. Jim Metzen
A list of all legislation authored by Sen. Jim Metzen this biennium is available on the Minnesota Legislature's website.
Rep. Rick Hansen
A list of all legislation authored by Rep. Rick Hansen this biennium is available on the Minnesota Legislature's website.
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