Senator Heather Gustafson’s Two Bills to Address Local Community Concerns Heard in the Senate Taxes and Capital Investment Committees

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Thursday, the Senate Taxes Committee heard  Senator Heather Gustafson’s (DFL-Vadnais Heights) bill to invest $300 million in public safety aid to all cities, counties, townships with populations over 10,000, and Tribal governments. Also on Thursday, the Senate Capital Investment Committee heard Senator Gustafson’s bill to invest in the Lino Lakes water treatment plant. In response, Senator Gustafson released the following statement:

“My two bills heard today address two prominent needs in my own community and in communities across the state. SF 2416 invests $300 million in public safety aid to local and tribal governments, including in smaller communities like my hometown Vadnais Heights that do not currently receive this funding. Each community across Minnesota has their own unique public safety concerns, and this bill gives local governments the authority to use the funding in ways that best meet their specific needs while also receiving help with costs. 

My other bill, SF 2621, addresses another significant need in my community by investing in the Lino Lakes water treatment plant. This course of action came as a response to a recent test performed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) which discovered dangerous levels of manganese concentrations in the water supply. Over time, consumption of manganese at this level can result in problems with learning and behavior for infants and problems with memory, attention, and motor skills for children and adults. Being able to drink water without concern is a basic right and protecting that right for my constituents is one of my foremost duties.”

Senate File 2614 and Senate File 2621 were both laid over for potential inclusion in a future omnibus bill.

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Senator Heather Gustafson
Senator Heather Gustafson represents Senate District 36 which includes Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, and White Bear Lake. She is vice chair of the Education Finance Committee, and serves on the Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee and the Jobs and Economic Development Committee.

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