Mendota Heights Legislators Prepare for Short Session, Light Bonding Requests

Mendota Heights legislators agree, the session before them will likely be short—especially in contrast to the drawn-out last year that spilled over deadlines and ended with a .

Typically the even-year session of a biennium is dedicated to crafting a bonding bill for capital projects throughout the state as well as major policy initiatives.

However Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South St. Paul), who represents Mendota Heights, said Republicans present at a number of legislative forums in recent weeks have cast doubt on the future of a bonding bill.

“We had members of the majority saying they didn’t know if there would be a bonding bill or if it was needed,” said Hansen. “I really believe that it is needed. I think basic infrastructure not only provides the jobs when construction is occurring but also provides a foundation for business expansion.”

In the case that a bonding bill is developed, both Hansen and Sen. Jim Metzen (D-South St. Paul) said that they will continue to pursue bonding money to assist cities with inflow and infiltration (I&I) projects that will improve aging sanitary sewer and storm water systems in northern Dakota County.

Transit and maintenance of MNSCU buildings could also be pushed for bonding priority.

Other than that, however, Metzen said the district has already realized a number of bonding requests in recent years, including funding for the former Rock Island Swing Bridge transformation in Inver Grove Heights and improvements to college campuses.

On the policy side, Hansen said he plans to introduce legislation to require county commissioners and judges to follow the same financial disclosure practices as legislators.

“Minnesota prides itself on sunshine laws and good government,” said Hansen. “And for whatever reason the requirements haven’t extended to the judiciary or the county commissioners. I think … it’s a good loophole to close.”

Hansen will also be pursuing legislation related to preventing the spread of invasive Asian carp species.

Metzen said he is going to pursue strengthening angel investor programs for businesses, as well as consumer protection legislation related to door-to-door home improvement salespeople.

Sen. Jim Metzen

Introduced:

— Special school district #6, South St. Paul; alternative facilities revenue program participation eligibility. SF1547 awaits a hearing in the Education Committee. introduced Jan. 26

A list of all legislation authored by Sen. Jim Metzen this biennium is available on the Minnesota Legislature's website.

Rep. Rick Hansen

Introduced:

— Special School District No. 6, South St. Paul alternative facilities revenue program participation permitted. HF1980 awaits a hearing in the Education Finance Committee. introduced Jan. 26

— Emergency responders permitted absences from work. HF1881 awaits a hearing in the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee. introduced Jan. 24

— Public official definition expanded in the campaign finance and public disclosure law. HF1780 awaits a hearing in the Government Operations and Elections  Committee. introduced Jan. 26

A list of all legislation authored by Rep. Rick Hansen this biennium is available on the Minnesota Legislature's website.