SD 18/19 Legislative Update

We'll attempt to have a regular, possible weekly post on local happenings down in St Paul, following legislation sponsored by local legislators.

SD 18:

Senator Dille has sponsored two bills thus far, both being somewhat controversial.

We've posted about the Minnesota Political Contribution Refund Program legislation. Dille's legislation completely halts the PCR program. (SF 124)

The second bill stands to be more controversial. Senator Dille seeks to lift the moratorium on building new nuclear power plants in Minnesota. (SF 126)

Representatives Dean Urdahl, 18B and Ron Shimanski, 18A, have yet to author legislation in the House.

SD 19:

Senator Koch has offered Senate resolutions congratulation Eagle Scouts and sought to reduce the number of stamps used by Senate offices.

Bruce Anderson, 19A is carrying Dille's nuclear power plant bill in the House.

Tom Emmer, 19B has authored 2 bills.

HF 0057, Emmer's bill for voting ID.

HF 107, Emmer's bill allowing school boards to use staff development revenue on CPR and automatic external defibrillator training and first aid certification.

Koch doesn't care if you lose your home

Larry Schumacher reported this a few days ago.

Koch noted that she represents much of Wright County, which has seen up to 3 percent of its homes go into foreclosure this year, leading the state.

Nevertheless, the bill is not good for the state as a whole, she said.

"We need to focus on the 97 percent who are still paying their mortgages," she said. "This bill introduces risk for all lenders. It will either tighten credit or increase costs."

Koch said she believes passing the bill will make it more difficult to sell many houses that are up for sale.

How many of Senator Koch's bills benefit the state as a whole? How many only a small portion of the population?

Perhaps the Senator doesn't really read any Wright County newspapers. 9 full pages of foreclosures, 152 total.

One year to "right the ship" does not seem to be overly generous. If it saves a significant portion of foreclosures, it's a good deal.

The housing industry in Wright County has been severely impacted by the "mortgage crisis". Senator Koch wants to do nothing about it...

Another glowing example of leadership.