Observer Corps reports are submitted by LWV Dakota County members that volunteer their time to observe and take notes at government meetings of interest to Dakota County residents. While we strive for accuracy, these observations may be incomplete or inaccurate in some respects.
Minutes (not available yet) Meeting Summary: There was an update regarding the County's legislative priorities concerning transportation, natural resources stewardship, environmental protection, and housing and economic stability.
Transportation: The House and Senate are taking significantly different approaches. Bills to follow are HF1555 / SF1093.
Natural Resources Stewardship: It appears that both the House and Senate will approve the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council recommendations which provide grant funds Dakota County is seeking. Bills to watch are HF653 / SF836 and HF2209 / SF2314.
Environmental Protection: The House bill provides for an increase in SCORE funding if a proposed solid waste tax is approved. Bills to watch are HF2209 / SF2314.
Housing and Economic Stability: Dakota County staff continues to review the various omnibus bills to determine their impact on the County's legislative priorities.
Other items of interest include the proposed sales tax exemption for the SMART Center (HF2125 / SF5), regional park grants (HF2209 / SF2314), and the Legacy Parks and Trails Fund and metro parks land acquisition (HF653 / SF836).