LOCAL ISSUES
Chief authored a bill that will enhance safety and create jobs in our communities by making the Fairbault Prison phase II expansion possible.
Chief authored a bill to allow the citizens of Owatonna to vote on a possible ½ cent sales tax. The revenue from the tax could fund transportation, parks and trails in the area, among other projects.
AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT
Passed a law this session calling for the ethanol
in Minnesota gasoline double to to 20 percent by 2013.
Landmark legislation signed into law this session that requires a 90 percent reduction in mercury emissions from the state’s largest coal-fired plants.
HEALTH CARE
Put consumers first through provisions allowing more flexibility for health insurers to reduce health care premiums
Providers, pharmacists and hospitals must now disclose costs to consumers
Provided nursing home employees with a 4.5 percent cost-of-living increase
JOBS & ECONOMIC GROWTH
Powered the state’s economic rebound by turning a $4.5 billion budget deficit into a $1 billion state surplus
Kept rural Minnesota competitive with the JOBZ initiative resulting in 209 businesses expanding or building throughout rural Minnesota
Helped provide relief to small businesses through legislation allowing employers with fewer than 50 employees to opt out of some state mandated health care insurance coverage
State Representative/Assistant Majority Whip