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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dennis Smith (R)

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Legislative Update (Nov. 20, 2015)

Friday, November 20, 2015

Dear Neighbors,

I'm sure that many of you are still celebrating the HUGE State Championship victory by the Osseo Orioles football team. We are all very proud of their hard work and commitment! Join me tomorrow in downtown Osseo at noon for the football team parade and pep rally at Boerboom Park!

Refugee Relocation

Following the devastating and heartbreaking attacks in Paris, the issue of refugee migration has come to the forefront of public debate. House of Representatives Speaker Kurt Daudt sent a letter asking Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton to urge President Obama to put a pause on relocation efforts for Syrian refugees until a full review of security and screening procedures for refugees entering the country is completed. Our nation has always been a haven for those seeking asylum from war and oppression. However, we must also think of the safety of our fellow Americans. It’s important that proper protocols are in place to ensure that those entering the country do not wish to harm our citizens. Until we have these systems in place, I believe it is best to temporarily suspend refugee relocation efforts in our country. 

Lawsuit Reform

As you know from previous updates, protecting Minnesotans from frivolous lawsuits is one of my top priorities. On Tuesday, I attended the Minnesotans for Lawsuit Reform’s 6th Annual Fall Summit Meeting. At this meeting, experts discussed the predatory lawsuits against businesses in our state regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. Again, I believe businesses should be made accessible to folks of all abilities. However, we must be cognizant of the impact these lawsuits could have on our friends and neighbors’ small businesses. I look forward to continuing to work on this issue as we reconvene the legislative session next March. 

In Our Community

Today, I attended an event with the Minnesota Farm Bureau. Although our area doesn’t have the agricultural reputation it once had, we all benefit from the work our farmers do to put food on our table. It’s essential we do what we can to support our farmers throughout Minnesota. 

I also had the pleasure of speaking at the Maple Grove City Council meeting on Monday. We discussed what the Legislature accomplished this year and what we are looking to do during the 2016 legislative session. Leading up to next March, I hope you will share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns with me on any state issue. 

Please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, by phone at (651) 296-5502, or US mail at 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.

I hope to see you tomorrow at 12:00 in downtown Osseo for the football celebration! 

Have a great weekend!

Dennis