Rep. Melissa Hortman recaps the legislative session

Published in the Brooklyn Park Sun-Post June 1, 2006.

Read the original article here.

Did any legislation you authored survive the session?

• Funding for Northstar Commuter Rail;

• Increased funding for K-12;

• Increased funding for early childhood education;

• Mercury Emissions Reduction Act of 2006;

• Identity theft protections;

• Veterans' benefits;

• Bonding money for North Hennepin Community College;

• Income tax reductions;

• Fluorescent light bulb recycling notices in utility bills;

• Maple Grove Hospital.

What did you accomplish this session that you feel specifically benefits the northwest suburbs?

All of the above. My central focus through the biennium was education and transportation. Both were improved markedly by the 2005-2006 sessions.

I authored legislation that lessened the property tax burden for north metro taxpayers on the school levy portion of our property tax bills.

What is one accomplishment you are most proud of this session?

Working across party lines to get things done. This cooperative approach worked in increasing K-12 funding for our area, getting Northstar Commuter Rail done and enacting the nation's toughest law to reduce mercury pollution.

Melissa Hortman represents the northern half of Brooklyn Park. She can be reached at 377 State Office Building, St. Paul, Minn. 5515-1606. 651-296-4280 or rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn.