Kim Norton Newsletter - 2/23/07
02/23/2007
Dear Neighbors,
This week the 25/25 Renewable Energy Standard, passed in the House by an overwhelming margin of 123 to 10. It passed in the Senate last week by a vote of 63-3 and was signed into law by the Governor Thursday.
This initiative will make Minnesota a national leader in the renewable energy industry by requiring utilities to produce at least 25 percent of their total energy from new, renewable resources by the year 2025. These sources include wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and other innovative renewable energy sources.
This renewable energy standard will bring new jobs to our state, promote investment in Minnesota industries, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Currently, Minnesota imports more electricity from outside sources than any other state. Establishing this renewable energy standard will jump-start a renewable energy industry in Minnesota - an industry that experts are calling the industry of the 21st Century. By passing this bill the Legislature has put our state in the position to harness a very promising economic opportunity.
This is a win-win situation for our state. It is expected that this new renewable energy standard for utility companies will save Minnesotans over $500 million by 2020, it will protect our vital natural resources and reduce our state's contribution to the global warming crisis.
I am proud to be a part of this historic effort that will bring so many positive results to our state. But there is much more to be done for Rochester and our state as a whole in the coming weeks and months.
With that, please continue to contact me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns you may have regarding any topic. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kim Norton State Representative
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CONSTITUENT MEETINGS Second Saturday of every month February - May
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Dunn Brothers Coffee
120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester
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PARENTAL FEE BILL - HF0785 I introduced a bill recently to help families of children with disabilities. This bill would help alleviate the additional burden of fees these families must pay on behalf of their children in order for the child to receive state medical assistance (TEFRA). After extensive state budget cuts in 2003 these families were required to bear a disproportionate portion of the costs of care compared to other participants in state health care programs.
You can track this bill at http://www.house.mn
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PROPERTY TAX HOTLINE & WEBSITE The Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division launched a 1-800 comment line and website designed to let taxpayers have a say in how the Legislature addresses rapidly rising property taxes. I urge you to share your stories about rising property taxes by calling this comment line or logging on to the website.
Minnesota's Property Tax Comment line: 1-800-551-5520 Minnesota's Property Tax Comment website: http://www.house.mn/dfl/ptax/propertytaxproject.html.
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PROPERTY TAX REFUND Every year, thousands of Minnesotans who are qualified for a property tax refund don't take advantage of it. I strongly encourage you to see if you qualify for this refund.
To apply for the refund you need to complete form M1PR. The form is available wherever state tax forms are distributed.
Questions can be directed to my office or by contacting the Department of Revenue directly at (651) 296-3781 or by email at .
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SMOKING BAN SURVEY The House Commerce and Labor Committee will soon be considering legislation that calls for a statewide smoking ban. To let members of the committee know your thoughts on HF0305, the Freedom to Breathe Act you can fill out a survey online that will be distributed to members of the committee. Your input in this survey will help the Commerce Committee have a better understanding of public opinion on this topic. I encourage you to participate. You can find the survey on the House website at http://www.house.mn/commerce.
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STAY INFORMED Along with these updates, another great way to be informed is to read the non-partisan magazines of the House and Senate. The House publication, Session Weekly, can be found online at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/swmain.asp. Over in the Senate, Senate Briefly can be found at http://www.senate.mn/briefly/.
You can also watch House floor sessions at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/schedule.asp.
You can sign up for email updates on specific bills at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/billsublogin.asp. And you can sign up for email updates on specific committees at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/maillist/mailinglist.asp.