Debate and Line 3, Bonding Bill Move Forward

We're down to less than a week at the Capitol and will be working round the clock to get our work done. The House & Senate have come to an agreement on most of the key issues and we are now heading into discussion with the governor. Stay tuned but know I will continue to fight on your behalf here in St. Paul.

Debate on Increasing Penalties for Lawbreakers

Last Tuesday, we passed, HF390, on a bipartisan vote of 71-55. The legislation increases penalties for those convicted of blocking access to a highway, an airport, or public transit.

During this debate, I was incredibly disappointed to hear Democrat after Democrat stand up and denigrate police officers during the debate on a bill to increase penalties on lawbreakers. We should be able to have these debates on important issues without resorting to disparaging every person who puts on a badge to protect their community.

As a retired deputy sheriff, I know far too well police officers put their lives on the line to protect every single person in communities across this state. I was proud to stand up and speak against these misguided notions.

House Passes Bill to Authorize Line 3 Construction

On Monday, the House passed legislation I co-authored to authorize the construction of the Line 3 Replacement Pipeline in Northern Minnesota. House File 3759 would grant a certificate of need and route approval for the project, and passed on a bipartisan vote of 74-51. The pipeline was ordered to be replaced during the Obama Administration, and has been vetted extensively through our state’s regulatory process.

This is great news for our community. The people in Northern Minnesota are ready to get to work on the Line 3 Replacement Pipeline. This pipeline will use the latest technology and will be much safer and better for the environment. It will also create and sustain good-paying jobs, generate more tax revenue for our local communities, and provide a significant economic boost to our area. It’s time to get the Line 3 project moving.