Legislative Update
It has been another busy week in St. Paul filled with constituent visits and proposed legislation that lacks common sense. This week we celebrated Poultry Day, Biker Day, Bank Day, and Charter Schools. Carver County Commissioner John Fahey and McLeod County Commissioner Nathan Schmalz stopped by to talk about transportation. Constituents who represent respiratory therapy, title companies, and municipal power agencies came to share the pros and cons of legislation that potentially will affect their professions.
Hatching a solution for a non-existent problem
Tuesday was Poultry Day at the Capitol. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I enjoy finding ways to improve and promote agriculture in our state. Unfortunately, there are times when ridiculous proposals are granted a hearing by the House majority that cause more agricultural harm than good. HF 4655, titled Bird Hatching Banned in Schools is a bill that lacks common sense and did receive a hearing.
Were you lucky enough to watch an egg hatch when you went to school? For many students, this was one of their most memorable experiences – witnessing the miracle of life.
During testimony on this bill, one testifier broke down in tears concerned about the well-being of newly born birds. The bill author talked about how it’s more important for a bird embryo to remain close to its mother as life begins. If only the majority party would feel the same way about unborn babies and their mothers.
If we want to inspire the next generation of students to consider a career in agriculture, ending programs that allow students to have a hands-on experience in the classroom is not the way to do it. The bill was amended to limit the ban to waterfowl, still allowing chicken egg hatching programs to continue. Hopefully this bill will not be included in any final omnibus bill.
Will MN benefit from a full-time legislature?
Currently, in statute, it states the legislature shall meet in session each biennium not to exceed a total of 120 legislative days. House File 4598 was introduced that would make Minnesota the 11th state to have a full-time Legislature and is in the initial stages of the committee process.
A part-time Legislature allows members to spend more time in their home districts, alongside the people we represent at the Capitol. The MN Legislature is diverse and comprised of people with backgrounds and areas of expertise, from farmers to teachers, business owners, law enforcement officers, trade workers, lawyers and beyond. The wide-ranging perspectives provided are an important part of what makes our system of government special. We work at the Capitol and then come back to our local communities, spending valuable time hearing directly from the people we advocate for at the Capitol. It helps keep all of us grounded.
Moving the length of time in session from 120 days to a year-round legislature lacks common sense. MN is heading toward a structural deficit so making such a drastic change is fiscally irresponsible. Hopefully, this proposed legislation will not find its way into a final omnibus bill.
|
