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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL)

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Legislative Update - February 16, 2018

Friday, February 16, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

 

The legislative session begins February 20th and our to-do list is growing by the minute – fortunately I was able to begin my leave of absence from school at the beginning of the month to prepare for Session 2018. I appreciate hearing about your thoughts and concerns; keeping those in mind helps me work to shape good policies at the Capitol. My biggest concern is that our community not only succeeds, but thrives. That is why I am always fighting to ensure that every student has access to quality education, that folks can find satisfactory, fair paying jobs, and that our seniors have a secure retirement.

 

School Shootings

The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida this week was once again heartbreaking - it was the 15th school shooting this year at an elementary or secondary school, this year. Keeping kids safe in school is only getting more difficult. As much as Minnesota schools practice lockdown drills or create barriers to entering schools, school shootings are on the rise and we’re not sure how to prevent them. Stricter gun controls might be the answer, but on the one hand, large data analyses suggest that the sheer presence of guns in the U.S. primes us for mass shootings. On the other, studies have shown that assault weapons bans may not help. Perhaps the greatest barrier to preventing gun violence in the U.S. is that Congress continues to prohibit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from studying the phenomenon, despite the fact that the CDC already studies most other causes of death by trauma, including car accidents. This is an area that we must address and I will work with my colleagues so that tragedies such as this do not happen in Minnesota.

 

Legislative Session

One of the major priorities of the 2018 session will be the Capital Investment Bill (Bonding Bill) which funds state investments to maintain and improve Minnesota’s infrastructure. Governor Dayton recently submitted his bonding proposal which includes updates to many of Minnesota’s water systems, public buildings, bridges and dams that are in need of repair. Here is a link to a map showing the projects Governor Dayton has proposed.

 

Some of the funding recommendations in the Governor’s proposal could impact local projects for flood mitigation work and college and university facility improvements in our region. In all, the Governor’s proposal would create over 20,000 new jobs. To get the most value for our investment, it is important to pass a robust public infrastructure bill while interest rates are still low.

 

Other important issues to be considered during the session are education and health care. My priority is to support legislation that gives people in our community a fair chance to succeed and that our economy is working for everyone throughout the great state of Minnesota.

 

February is Black History Month

Governor Dayton proclaimed February to be Black History Month in Minnesota: “While African-American history should be studied throughout the year, Black History Month provides a special opportunity to focus on the unique experiences and contributions of African Americans in our state and our country. Throughout the month, Governor Dayton encourages Minnesotans to reflect on our state’s past, celebrate the contributions of African Americans in our communities, and work together to make our state a place of opportunity for all Minnesotans.”

 

Minnesota Joins Effort to Curb Traffic Deaths

Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths initiative has reduced traffic deaths by 40% over the last 15 years. As a result, Minnesota has been selected by the National Governor’s Association to join their national effort to reduce traffic deaths. The joint effort will make roads safer through improving traffic analysis and communications.

 

You can learn more about Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths, the state’s cornerstone traffic safety program. 

 

Free Tax Help Now Available

Tax filing season has started and Free Tax Preparations Centers are now open across Minnesota. You may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers at locations across Minnesota for your federal and state income tax returns. Qualified taxpayers are age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English, or have income less than $54,000 per year.

 

Most free tax preparation sites are open Feb. 1 - April 15. Visit the website to find free tax preparation sites near you.

 

It’s Still Winter!

While we are still in the middle of winter we must continue safety practices at home. The Minnesota Depart of Commence has provided useful prevention tips for carbon monoxide and heating hazards. Click here to read and find out more.

 

We have had some pretty cold weather this season and if you’re like me, you saw that reflected in your heating bill. I’m always so proud that our state has resources in place to help Minnesotans who struggle to pay their winter heating bills. If you, or someone you know, might benefit from Minnesota’s energy assistance program, contact the Commerce Department, toll-free, at 800-657-3710 or visit the Energy Assistance Program section of the Commerce website (mn.gov/commerce). Assistance is available for homeowners or renters who earn less than 50 percent of the state’s median annual income (for example $48,077 for a family of four).

 

I look forward to being your Representative for the legislative session 2018. I’ve learned so much from our communities and continue to be proud to be your voice at the Minnesota State Capitol.

 

Please continue to contact me and be sure to visit me when you are at the Capitol - click here for information on free guided tours!

 

All the best,

 

MaryKP