Dear Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’ve almost completed our 10th week of session at the Legislature. As the first deadline for bills to pass through committees is today, the pace has certainly picked up, and committees have been held into the evening. You can check out a short video clip from the nonpartisan House Public Information Office to learn more about our committee deadlines.
Health Insurance Update
If you, or anyone you know has been impacted by the high insurance premiums on the individual market, help is on the way. Governor Dayton signed the premium relief bill in January, and Minnesotans will soon start to see the premium subsidies. You can find more details from the Pioneer Press here. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any specific questions.
Should a High School Civics Course be a requirement for graduation?
I have co-authored HF 1602, a bill that would require completion of a civics course upon graduation.
Civic education is essential to prepare citizens for future democratic engagement. Without such civic fundamentals, the youth of today may not vote or run for public office tomorrow, and the future participation of citizens in America's grand democratic experiment is at risk.
What do you think? Please feel free to share with me your opinion on this proposal.
Cyber Attack Protection
Minnesotans deserve an efficient, effective, and accountable state government that works at the speed of business to deliver the quality services people expect. Our state government needs the modern technology capabilities to protect Minnesotans’ personal data from cyberattacks and hacking, and there are long-overdue upgrades needed to Minnesota’s information technology (IT) and computer security systems. It’s important for our citizens who are checking in on the status of their property tax refund, for example, to not only have speedy website access, but the reassurance that their personal information is secure. Minnesota IT Services is requesting $74 million to reform our state’s technology infrastructure and ensure it is up-to-date, safe, and secure. These efforts would help deliver state government at the speed of business, and the security and personal data protection that Minnesotans expect and deserve.
Grand Opening Essay Contest
Minnesota students are invited to participate in a statewide “My Minnesota Capitol” essay contest, as a part of the post-Capitol restoration festivities to take place this summer. One student from each age group (elementary, middle and high school) will be selected to read their essay as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony the weekend of the Grand Opening (August 11-13, 2017), and will also be awarded $1000 for a college savings plan. You can find more details here.
Please always feel free to contact me anytime. I welcome your input and ideas.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Ward