Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

December has been a busier than usual at the Capitol.  Last week, Governor Dayton appointed Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to fill Senator Franken's vacated seat in the U.S. Senate. Senator Franken is resigning effective January 2nd, and Lieutenant Governor Smith will be sworn in as Senator on January 3rd. According to the MN Constitution the President of the Senate then becomes the Lieutenant Governor.  The succession cannot be declined – it is automatic.  

Senator Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville) serves as the President of the Senate. She represents Senate District 13 in central Minnesota including the communities of Sauk Rapids, Sartell, St. Joseph, Paynesville, Kimball, Cold Spring, Rockville and surrounding areas. Sen. Fischbach has stated that she plans to continue serving in the Senate after being appointed Lieutenant Governor.

There are differing opinions regarding the constitutionality of a MN Senator serving as both Senator and Lieutenant Governor.  Senator Fischbach mentioned a 1898 Supreme Court Case as her rational for believing she can hold both positions. Here is a link to the memo with her rational.

The Lieutenant Governor used to be the Senate President.  When the Senate went into recess, the senators elected a Senate Pro-Tempore for succession purposes during the interim.

 A constitutional amendment approved in 1972 removed the duties of the Senate President from Lieutenant Governor.  That amendment became the modern Article 4, Section 5 of the MN Constitution that prohibits Minnesota Senators from holding two positions.

Net Neutrality

Last week the FCC repealed Net Neutrality.  Free and fair internet access is a critical component of the internet, and I do not support the repeal.  Hopefully Minnesota joins the many other states suing the the FCC over the Net Neutrality repeal. I am working with my colleagues to see what legislative action we can take in Minnesota when we return to Session on February 20th.

10th Avenue Bridge

The Minneapolis Department of Public Works is finalizing its contract for the 10th Avenue Bridge repairs.  Once that is complete they will hold public meetings to discuss the project. I will share any updates I receive. 

The STEP-UP Youth Employment Program is now accepting applications for 2018. STEP-UP is Minneaplis' internship program for people who are 14-21 years of age. Each year it recruits, trains and places more than 1,600 people in paid internships with over 220 businesses, public agencies and nonprofits. The online application for summer 2018 will be open from December 11-February 16. Go to www.stepupmpls.org for more information. 

 Third Ave Bridge

The Third Ave Bridge over the Mississippi turns 100 next year!  MnDot is currently analyzing the bridge for needed renovations. Once that stage is complete there will be informational meetings about the planned construction. I will make sure to share any information I receive about these meetings. 

November Forecast

The November budget forecast showed a projected $188 million deficit for this year and a projected $586 million shortfall for the next budget cycle. This is the first projected deficit since 2013—after 6 positive forecasts in a row. Last year’s tax bill will cost Minnesota $5.1 billion over the next ten years. I am concerned about the effect that bill and the federal tax bill will have on state programs and services.

Minnesota is the best-run state in the nation, according to a new study from USA Today that cites Minnesota’s strong fiscal management, low unemployment and poverty rates, above-average median household income, and the state’s nearly perfect credit rating. Since ranking tenth in 2012, Minnesota has consistently climbed in the rankings under the same study, including ranking second last year.

Lastly, I wanted to wish you all Happy Holidays and a safe New Year.  My assistant will be gone from December 22nd to January 3rd.  We will do our best to address any issues or concerns after the new year.  Thank you! 

This week almost 100 4th graders from Marcy Open School visited the Capitol! Free tours are open to the public and offered through the Minnesota Historical Society.