Legislative session is almost upon us

In less than two weeks, the Minnesota Legislature will reconvene, and although the second half of the biennium is shorter, it will likely be another busy session. Because it is not a budget year, the Legislature will be focused primarily on the bonding bill and policy issues. 

For GMPT, we have several priorities for 2024. We would like to see more funding for the DNR’s local park and trails grant programs and will be pushing for the inclusion of such funds in the bonding bill. We were pleased that the Governor recommended $2 million for the programs in his bonding proposal. Although we would like to see more, this year’s bonding bill will be much smaller than last year’s, so even $2 million is encouraging.

We will also be supporting the passage of the LCCMR’s recommendations for spending of the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), which includes further funding for those programs. 

Additionally, GMPT is working with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) on legislation that would appropriate additional available Legacy funds for our regional parks and trails. As always, we will monitor activity at the Capitol to push back against any problematic policy proposals. 

With so much to look forward to and learn about for the upcoming session, be sure to register for GMPT’s Legislative Action Day on March 14! Stay tuned for more details.