Advocacy News

April 13, 2016

Legislative Update: Mid-point of the 2016 legislative session

We’ve reached the mid-point of the 2016 legislative session. Now that the second committee deadline has past, the bulk of legislator’s time going forward will be spent focusing on the major pieces of finance legislation. The major tasks still on the table include the supplemental budget, …

April 1, 2016

Legislative Update: House committee hears trail bills

The last week at the Capitol was a busy one for parks and trails. A number of bills were heard and continue to move through the legislative process: On Tuesday, March 29, the House Mining & Outdoor Recreation committee heard 20 different park and trail …

March 25, 2016

Legislative Update: Upcoming House hearing on Minnesota’s trails

This Tuesday, March 29, the House Mining & Outdoor Recreation committee will be hearing testimony on 19 different park and trail bills, including bills on the Greater Minnesota grant program, Chester Woods Trail, Preston-Harmony Trail, Glacial Lakes Trail, Gitchi-Gami Trail, Heartland State Trail, Minnesota Valley …

March 16, 2016

Legislative Update: Session gets off to a fast start

We’re only a week into the 2016 session, but already lawmakers are moving forward on a number of items that affect Minnesota’s parks and trails. Of particular note: On Tuesday, Gov. Dayton announced his supplemental state budget proposal. The governor’s proposal includes a $3 million …

March 11, 2016

Parks & Trails Primer on the 2016 Legislative Session

Minnesota lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Tuesday for what is sure to be a full yet speedy legislative session. Legislators have less then three months to work on a laundry list of issues, including passing a capital investment bonding bill, deciding how to spend (or save) …

March 10, 2016

Trail Fee Requirement

This would have made it a misdemeanor to bike, skate, walk, or jog on a state-supported trail without first purchasing a pass.

March 9, 2016

Parks & Trails Bills Tracker Now Live

To help you stay on-top of these and other bills affecting parks and trails, we have created a bills tracker on our website. As bills are introduced and progress through the legislative process, we will update them in our tracker.

February 25, 2016

Advocacy Day brings together supporters from across Minnesota

Photo Gallery of 2016 Parks & Trails Advocacy Day Parks & Trails Council's Advocacy Day draws advocates from across Minnesota Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota's annual advocacy workshop, held on Feb. 24, was filled with opportunities for our supporters and friends group members across ...

February 1, 2016

Rep. Schomacker receives legislator of distinction award

District 22A Rep. Joe Schomacker was honored Feb. 24 as a Legislator of Distinction by Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota during its advocacy day at the Harriet Island Pavilion in St. Paul.

January 12, 2016

Former Rep. Ann Lenczewski to represent Parks & Trails Council

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) is proud to announce an exciting enhancement to our government relations program as the highly respected, former chair of the House Taxes Committee, Ann Lenczewski will represent P&TC at the state capitol during the 2016 legislative session. Lenczewski had been a strong supporter of parks and trails during her 16 years at the Legislature, where she retired from last year.

July 14, 2015

Lisa Filter

North Country Trail re-route pending

Thanks to Minnesota North Country Trail champions Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Rick Nolan, the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act legislation has been re-introduced in the 114th Congress, with the co-sponsorship of Sen. Al Franken and Minnesota members Reps. Peterson, Ellison, Walz, Paulsen, and McCollum.

June 13, 2015

Recapping the 2015 Legislative Session

Parks & Trails Council entered the 2015 session with a set of ambitious goals as outlined in our legislative agenda. Those priorities, and how they played out during session, are detailed below. Parks & Trails Council Priority: > Restore and expand General Fund for Minnesota ...

May 27, 2015

Parks and trails budget will be decided in special session

Over the Memorial Day weekend Gov. Dayton vetoed the omnibus agriculture, environment and natural resources bill, which includes the operating budget for Minnesota’s parks and trails. The governor also vetoed the omnibus jobs and energy bill and education bill, and the legislature has yet to pass a bill appropriating the Legacy Funds, all of which sets up a full workload for a special session.

May 19, 2015

2015 Legislative session ends, questions remain

As the Legislature adjourned the 2015 session last night, we are still left wondering what the end result of this session will be. While some business is finished, other key items were left pending and Governor Dayton indicated today that he will call a special …

May 8, 2015

Budget bills near final week

We're finally nearing the (hopeful) end of the 2015 legislative session; Legislators have until Monday, May 18 to pass a budget or else they will have to be called back for a special session. As legislators sit down to work towards a budget compromise, now is ...