Senate Report by Dan Sparks

 

This was a busy week at the state Capitol, with important legislation moving forward, Broadband Day on the Hill and the beginning of omnibus bill discussion in our committees. It also featured the first State of the State address from Gov. Tim Walz, where he outlined his priorities and vision for Minnesota.

The State of the State is comparable to the address the president gives in the State of the Union. Legislators, the state’s constitutional officers, the state Supreme Court justices, former Gov. Mark Dayton and other honored guests came together to hear the address in the House chamber.

This was Gov. Walz’s first State of the State, and unlike many of his predecessors, his was largely off the cuff and given without notes. The governor outlined his vision by highlighting the stories of everyday Minnesotans who want high-quality, affordable health care, a safe and reliable transportation network, and community prosperity. These bipartisan values are shared by Minnesotans across the state, and I believe that my colleagues in the House and Senate, of both parties, will be able to come together to make progress towards these goals this year.

One priority the governor and I share is on expanding broadband internet access in our rural communities. Wednesday was Broadband Day on the Hill, when advocates from across the state came to the Capitol to lobby for this important investment. Though we’ve made progress on this important issue, we have more work to do to make sure every household, business and school has access to this vital piece of modern infrastructure.

Though the Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Finance Omnibus Bill had some new funding for the Border to Border Broadband program, it does not have enough. The state has a responsibility to make sure every community is connected, which is why I offered an amendment that would provide the $70 million necessary to complete this work in the next two years. Although it was not adopted, I will continue to fight to increase the state investment in this important program.

I’m encouraged by the important action that was taken earlier in the week on one of the biggest issues facing our state: the opioid crisis. On Monday, we passed legislation by an overwhelming margin that creates a fund to help with addiction and treatment of opioids, paid for by putting new fees on the pharmaceutical companies that make these drugs. It also creates an advisory council that will then decide how to use these funds. These new fees will raise approximately $20 million a year.

This legislation must now go to a conference committee to sort out the difference between the House and Senate versions of this bill. I know my colleagues will come together and create a compromise that will put the needs of Minnesotans first. This is the attitude that we must have as we create a final budget bill as well, and I am committed to putting the needs of our community and of Minnesota first.

Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, is the District 27 senator.