Hello neighbors!
This has been a busy week now that committees are meeting full time. We debated some bills on the House floor, but so far we haven’t had any late nights. Here are a few highlights:
First bill signed: Today the Governor signed the first bill of the legislation session which will simplify the Minnesota tax code and provide $21.7 million in tax cuts to 220,000 Minnesotans.
Committee and local meetings: Most committees are listening to informational presentations from state agencies giving a broad overview of their jurisdictions, functions, and responsibilities. This week I heard from the Department of Education, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development. I also met with the Apple Valley City Council and the municipal legislative commission where we discussed some local legislative priorities. Here is a picture from after the Municipal Legislative Commission with Apple Valley High School senior Michael, Apple Valley Mayor Mary, and Metropolitan Councilman Steve Chavez.
Job creation: Two Apple Valley businesses (Abdallah Candies and Uponor) are expanding their headquarters in Apple Valley. Those expansions created hundreds of jobs locally. I was disappointed to learn that two state programs which helped those expansion efforts received budget reductions in 2016. With the support of the Apple Valley City Council I am going to work to restore that funding so more businesses in our area have a better chance to expand and prosper.
I try to make it to as many community events or groups that I can so please let me know I will try and fit it in my schedule!
Have a great weekend!
Erin Maye Quade
State Representative