Legislative Updates

Legislative Water Commission stuck in 'government purgatory'

by Trevor Russell

update

June 12, 2019

A surprising split-decision has left the Legislative Water Commission with an uncertain future. >>

It's a wrap. How FMR’s priorities fared in the 2019 session

by Trevor Russell

update

May 29, 2019

The 2019 Legislative Session kicked on in January with Governor Walz presiding over the only divided state legislature in the nation.

This led to some core disagreements, missed deadlines and an assorted bag of victories and compromises for Minnesota's environment and the Mississippi River.

Here’s a brief summary of the major items we were tracking, and how each turned out. >>

How the Environment Bill fared this session

by Trevor Russell

update

May 29, 2019

Overall, the legislative session resulted in modest additional funding for some of our top priorities while many of the worst provisions were dropped. Along with our allies, we are deeply grateful to the FMR River Guardians who consistently demonstrated their strong support for the river and healthy lands and waters for all Minnesota communities. Learn more about which FMR priorities made it, which did not, and where we go from here. >>

How the Clean Water Fund fared this session

by Trevor Russell

update

May 24, 2019

The bipartisan Omnibus Legacy Bill was passed during the Special Session and includes $261.26 million for the Clean Water Fund. Here’s what was included in the final version. >>

2019 legislative update: A special session in the works

by Trevor Russell

update

May 21, 2019

With our Legislature's adjournment date passed and no final agreements on most policy and budget issues, a special session will be required. And most major water and conservation issues are yet to be decided. Here are our positions on some of the major issues still in play. >>

Our letter to House & Senate conferees on Forever Green

by Trevor Russell

update

May 14, 2019

Today, FMR, along with twenty-three other organizations, signed a letter requesting legislators provide full funding for eh University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative in the final Clean Water Fund negotiations.