Politics & Government

Woodbury Rep. Kieffer Works On Bill To Make Bielenberg Expansion Cheaper

Catching up with the lawmakers who represent Woodbury.

When Woodbury officials gathered a couple weeks back to , they said they weren’t looking for special legislation on an initiative to use general-obligation bonds toward the construction of sports facilities.

They might get it anyway.

Rep. Andrea Kieffer, a Republican from Woodbury, said she looked into the matter but found it too unwieldy to apply statewide.

Find out what's happening in Woodburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under state law, the use of general-obligation bonds, which have the lowest interest rate, is currently not allowed for the construction of recreational facilities.

Woodbury has an , City Administrator Clint Gridley said at a January council meeting, and it would be advantageous for Woodbury to utilize its strong financial position to issue such bonds for recreational facilities, such as the expansion.

Find out what's happening in Woodburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It can save the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in interest,” Gridley said.

But enacting a state law would have been difficult, Kieffer said. “It’s just too big.”

Instead, she’s looking at finding an exemption that would allow Woodbury to use them to fund the $15.5 million Bielenberg project. An existing tax levy would be extended under the plan.

Check out a Star Tribune story for more on the bond issue.

Other Work at the Capitol

Another measure Kieffer has been working on since she was a freshman lawmaker is requiring a .

She previously told Patch that the issues Gov. Mark Dayton had with the bill presented last session have been addressed and this week said she’s excited to get it to his desk.

“It’s a good bill and the governor wants to sign it,” she said.

Kieffer is also working on a bill to increase penalties for repeat sex offenders and noted that there may be some funds in this year’s bonding bill for Gateway Corridor studies.

Sen. Lillie

Sen. Ted Lillie, a Lake Elmo Republican who represents Woodbury in the upper chamber, has introduced a bill aimed at ending government shutdowns.

He and a group of fellow lawmakers last summer announced plans for the bill following the longest state government shutdown in Minnesota history.

Check out the text of the bill.

Here are other bills Lillie is working on.

Survey

Kieffer is asking residents to take her survey, which can be accessed via her official House website.

“Like my listening sessions and local meetings, the legislative survey gives people the chance to provide input on important issues,” Kieffer said in a statement. “It is one of the best ways for me to gather feedback and to better understand what matters most to constituents. I welcome and encourage all residents of District 56B to participate.”

Kieffer’s next listening session will run from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the in Woodbury.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here