Capitol Comments by Peggy Bennett

 

Now that we’re three weeks in to the 2019 legislative session, our work in committees has really begun to heat up.

It’s not too surprising that floor activity at the Minnesota House has been slow at this point, as all bills have to be approved in a committee, in some cases many committees, before all members of the House receive the opportunity to vote for or against them.

This session, I am serving on three committees: the Capital Investment Division, the Education Finance Division and the Education Policy Committee.

One point worth mentioning: since my arrival in the Minnesota House I have always requested and served on an agriculture committee. Ag is a major economic driver in our area and I have always enjoyed finding solutions for farmers and doing my best to promote the industry.

While I’d hoped to continue this service, I can’t this session because, though the DFL House majority increased the number of committees in the House by 30 percent, they reduced the number of ag committees from two to one. While I am extremely disappointed in this decision, know that I will look for other ways to make our agricultural voices heard in the Minnesota House.

Among the bills that are moving forward quickly right now is a plan I’m co-authoring. It would require hands-free cell phone use for drivers in order to reduce the number of accidents that occur due to drivers who pay more attention to their cell phones than the road. This legislation has already been approved in its first committee stop – the Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Division.

Speaking of committees, I’ve requested a committee hearing for a measure I have again authored this year that would create tax incentives for health care facilities that locate in medically underserved areas in rural Minnesota.

You may recall my plan was included in our comprehensive taxes legislation last session, but that comprehensive legislation did not make it into law.

We all understand how important it is to have access to health care in our area. This proposal is not the only solution, but rather a ‘tool in the toolbox’ for rural communities to help encourage more health care providers, such as birthing centers, hospitals, and clinics, to locate in their area. It could very well help Albert Lea as the community seeks to bring another provider into our city.

I will continue to work on these bills and more to bring the voices of our local communities to St. Paul as we move through the committee process and eventually to the floor for votes. Please feel free to contact me to share your thoughts and opinions on any subject that is important to you. I always appreciate hearing from you.

State Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, represents Minnesota House District 27A, which includes almost all of Freeborn County, along with parts of Faribault, Mower, Steele and Dodge counties. She can be reached by phone at 651-296-8216 or by email at rep. peggy.bennett@house.mn.