Politics & Government

Capitol Review: Local Legislator Wants to Add Lanes to I-494

Also this week, the budget debate will heat up in the legislature.

Editor’s Note: Capitol Review is a weekly look at what your state legislators are doing at the Minnesota Capitol—how they’re voting, the bills they’re writing and the issues they’re getting behind. Come back to Minnetonka Patch every Monday for a new Capitol Review.

Minnetonka’s State lawmakers: Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-District 43), Sen. David Hann (R-District 42), Sen. Gen Olson (R-District 33), Rep. John Benson (DFL-District 43B), Rep. Connie Doepke (R-District 33B), and Rep. Kirk Stensrud (R-District 42A).

Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-District 43)

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On March 9, introduced, as a chief-author, SF 659, bill appropriating money for adding lanes to a portion of Interstate Highway 494. To read a story on that plan, click here.

On March 9, introduced, as a co-author, SF 656, a bill appropriating money for a bicycle and pedestrian trail to connect the Northtown Transit hub to the metropolitan regional trail—the hope is to provide a safe route for elementary school students.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On March 10, introduced, as a chief-author, SF 746, a bill eliminating the referendum allowance limit. Sen. Hann is a co-author.

Sen. David W. Hann (R-District 42)

Later today, will introduce, as a chief-author, SF 805, a bill making changes to the public employees insurance program- including modifications to who can be classified as a dependant.

On March 10, introduced, as a chief-author, SF 747, a bill modifying teacher termination and discharge procedures.

On March 9, introduced, as a co-author, SF 650, a bill appropriating money for compulsive gambling- specifically creating a board to increase public awareness of problem gambling, education and training for individuals and organizations providing treatment services to problem gamblers, and their families, and research relating to problem gambling.

On March 10, introduced, as a co-author, SF 706, a bill the Labor Day school start provisions.

On March 10, introduced, as a co-author, SF 707, a bill requiring transparency in health care advertising.

Sen. Gen Olson (R-District 33)

On March 9, introduced, as a co-author, SF 684, a bill appropriating money for Hennepin County lake and stream improvements. 

Rep. Kirk Stensrud (R-District 42A)

As part of the Republican budget plan, on March 9, Rep. Stensrud introduced legislation (HF 1003) which he says will, “provide tax relief for married filers that earn between $25,000 and $100,000, while protecting funding for classrooms, veterans and courts.”

Rep. John Benson (DFL-District 43B)

To read an editorial that Rep. Benson wrote for Minnetonka Patch on collective bargaining rights, click here.

Rep. Connie Doepke (R-District 33B)

Of the Republican budget plan, Rep. Doepke said, in part, “With a balanced budget, responsible government and economic opportunity, we can put Minnesota on track for economic recovery and a stronger future.”


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