Gearing up for the legislative session

The legislative session starts in less than three weeks on Feb. 20, and the GMPT team is gearing up! We are looking for our members’ help to accomplish our legislative goals, which this session include:

• Protect the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) recommendation for local parks & trails grant programs.
• Advocate for bonding money for local parks and trails grant programs (SF 689/HF 1270).
• Defend against any legislation that would unreasonably hamper parks and trails development or redevelopment.

There are a number of ways you can help. The most important thing you can do is talk to your local officials and legislators. You can find tips for how to engage your legislators and officials on our website. When you talk to them, let them know who you are and what you are doing to help parks and trails thrive in your community. Be sure to encourage them to support bonding money for the Local Trails Connection Grant Program and the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program (bill numbers SF 689/HF 1270).

During the legislative session, we will provide updates on what is happening at the Capitol through periodic emails. For the most up-to-the minute legislative news, follow us on Twitter @greatermnpt. Sometimes legislation will come up quickly and we’ll need you to act right away. In those instances, we may send out an “action alert” asking you to contact your legislator or other lawmakers.

One of the best ways to get engaged in the GMPT’s legislative goals is to join us for our Legislative Action Day on March 21 in St. Paul. We’ll be talking in-depth about the legislative session, projects we’re working on and discuss in more detail how you can work with your legislators. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. at the Office of Flaherty & Hood (525 Park St., Suite 470, St. Paul). You can sign up now by filling out this online registration form. After you sign up, contact your legislators and set an appointment to see them during the designated lobbying time that afternoon.

If you have any questions about our legislative program or Legislative Action Day, please contact Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.