Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Congratulations to the Osseo Middle School math team for their 11th place finish at the state math competition! Also, two of our schools (Fernbrook and Osseo Middle School) advanced to the Destination Imagination state competition in April! Destination Imagination is a creative problem solving challenge with the purpose to prepare students to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. Good luck, teams!
Here are the highlights from week 4 of the legislative session:
- The Road to Real ID (HF1732) – Signed Into Law By Governor Dayton
- UI Tax Cut - $258,000,000 Signed Into Law by Governor Dayton
- Highway 610 Bill Heard in Committee
- House Republicans Launch MNsure Comment Website
Road to Real ID Compliance – Signed Into Law!
The Real ID bill (HF1732) passed the House on a 125-2 vote this week. The Governor signed the bill the next day. I am very proud to chief author this bill and look forward to working on the Real ID bill that will make our state fully compliant with the federal Real ID Act. This bill will allow us to continue to fly on commercial airplanes without worry, visiting our loved ones at military bases, and gaining admittance to federal buildings, all while ensuring your personal information remains private.
A photo from the House floor debating my REAL ID bill.
Unemployment Tax Cut Bill – Signed Into Law!
I chief authored this bill that became law last week after the governor signed this legislation. I have worked on this bill for over a year and it was a great sense of accomplishment to put $258 million back into the economy by temporarily eliminating the unemployment insurance premiums for many of our local businesses. This bill also provided outstanding reform for the trust fund.
Highway 610 Bill Heard in Committee
I am excited to be carrying the legislation that will complete this project that has been worked on in different stages since 1989. The completed connection to I-94 and County Road 30 will deliver significant traffic relief for our community and provide additional incentive for the growing medical facilities near our hospital. This bill was heard in the Capital Investment Committee, and I appreciate Heidi Nelson, Maple Grove City Administrator, and Ken Ashfeld, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, for coming to the Capitol to testify in support of this bill.
This week, I chaired the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee.
House Republicans Launch MNsure Comment Website
This week, we launched a website to gather comments and feedback from Minnesota families, taxpayers, and small business owners affected by MNsure. I continue to hear from concerned citizens in our district and from throughout our state about the difficulties they have faced with our state's healthcare exchange. The most recent concerns revolve around the thousands of Minnesotans who are waiting on their 1095-A form to file their taxes, an issue that MNsure has promised to finally resolve by the end of the week. If you’ve experienced issues with MNsure, please share your concerns here.
A sure sign that spring is upon us is the Maple Grove Yard Waste site opens this weekend. If you are fortunate to do some yard work this weekend, keep in mind there is a new entrance this season. If you are coming to St. Paul, please let me know so we can visit and I can show you the Capitol if you have time. Even under the construction, the building is beautiful and it is an honor to represent our community here. For bill ideas, comments, or concerns please contact me. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number is 651-296-5502, and US mail address: 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis