Dear Neighbors,
This week I had the pleasure of meeting with the MN Academy of Pediatrics as well as ctitizens of Eyota to discuss the Chester Wood Bonding Project.
RCTC Bonding Project
On Wednesday, the bill I am authoring to reconstruct Plaza and Memorial Halls at Rochester Community and Technical College was heard in the House Higher Education Committee. This bill would provide bonding funds to build a much needed new facility on campus. At Wednesday’s hearing, RCTC Interim President Mary Davenport provided testimony on the dire need for this funding. President Davenport shared stories of buckets to address the current building’s leaky roof, problems with mice, and serious issues with the building’s heating and cooling system. She also discussed the costs RCTC continues to incur as a result of the building’s deterioration. While I understand the value in making renovations to improve and restore historic buildings, the state of this facility demands we start a new project and properly construct a building for use in the years to come. This is an important project for RCTC and our area, and I am hoping we are able to include it in this session’s bonding bill.
MNLARS Update
Last week, I discussed legislation that would fund ongoing fixes for MNLARS while also demanding accountability from our state agencies. On Tuesday, that bill was approved by the House Transportation Finance Committee with bipartisan support. This bill would authorize the governor to transfer $10 million from the Department of Vehicle Services Special Revenue fund, and then require those funds be backfilled down the road with existing state agency funding. By using money that is already in state government, I believe this is a commonsense approach that respects Minnesota’s taxpayers. This bill would also ensure responsibility by requiring evidence of detailed spending plans and monthly progress reports. Our goal is to increase accountability and oversight and make certain real solutions are the result of any additional funding provided by the legislature.
Rochester Day
Next Wednesday, March 14, is the Rochester Area Chamber’s Day at the Capitol. For the first time in several years, some of the day’s events will be taking place in the recently renovated armory on the Capitol grounds. This is a great day for the Rochester business community to make its voice heard on the issues impacting our area. I look forward to seeing many familiar faces from our communities next Wednesday. For more information on this event, please follow this link to the Rochester Area Chamber’s website.
Please Contact Me
With the legislative session in full swing, I would like to encourage you to contact me with any questions or thoughts on state government issues. In order to best represent our communities, it is vital that I hear from constituents on the everyday issues they are facing. My door is always open, so if you plan on visiting, please contact me to set up a time for us to sit down and chat. I can be reached at 651-296-4378 or rep.nels.pierson@house.mn.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Nels