Hello Friends,
Moving swiftly on with session, here are the happenings from this past week!
House Education Omnibus Bill Provisions
This week the House Education Policy and Education Finance Committees announced their omnibus provisions. Provisions included in the Education Policy Omnibus bill include addressing the teacher licensure process, encouraging civics education, and finding ways to make the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) a better gauge of college and career readiness. Education Finance provisions include my bill (HF 2411) for $69,000 in early learning funds for the Metro Deaf community, $6 million in funding for future teacher grants and paraprofessional “grow your own” programs, and $6 million to support early childhood learning and literacy. We were able to keep an almost net-zero budget target by re-purposing other funds. I will keep you appraised as these provisions move forward in the House.
My Bill Hearings This Week
My bill, HF2801, a bonding request for funding to reconstruct the interchange at County Road 42 and Trunk Highway 52 in Rosemount, was heard by the Capitol Investment Committee this week. I am hopeful that this project will be included in our final Capitol Investment (bonding) bill!
My bill, HF2825, which modifies the Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund, received a hearing in State Government Finance. Essentially, this bill increases the maximum and minimum amounts that can be reimbursed to a homeowner to cover the moving costs if they are forced to relocate from a manufactured home park. This bill has bi-partisan support, and I am optimistic that we can get it passed this session.
Minnesota Zoo Access Program
As we move into Spring, we are all going to be looking for more excuses to get outside! I just wanted to remind everyone about the Minnesota Zoo’s Access Program (ZAP), which gives individuals and families with limited income the opportunity to enjoy the zoo, free of charge. For details, visit: mnzoo.org/zap
The Minnesota Zoo’s new Director and President John Frawley and Director of Public Affairs Jane Prohaska came by my office to talk about the Zoo’s priorities this session. It was so nice to meet John, and I look forward to working with him and Jane in the future! Learn more about the new Director here: http://mnzoo.org/blog/meet-the-new-minnesota-zoo-director/
Reminder: Water System Maintenance in Rosemount
Just a reminder that this coming Monday, April 18th, the City of Rosemount will begin flushing out fire hydrants. Water valves will also be inspected during this time.
Sometimes this maintenance will mean that water in households or businesses may look discolored. According to the City, all you need to do is run all of your faucets for a bit until the water runs clear again. It’s also suggested that you avoid doing laundry until after running clear water through your house faucets for several minutes. For more information, you can use this link: http://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=127
Fresh Thyme in Apple Valley
As some of you may know, Fresh Thyme is opening a new store in Apple Valley! The Grand Opening is scheduled tentatively for May 25th, and they are currently looking to hire 50 additional people. If you are interested, here is a link to the hiring flyer: http://files.ctctcdn.com/0afb1fce001/4ec6d5f4-a733-483c-bf2f-11ceb39803a8.pdf
Rosemount High School Marching Band in Macy’s Parade!
Congratulations to the Rosemount High School Marching Band for being invited to plat at the Macy’s 2017 Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York! These young people put so much hard work and dedication into band, and it’s so wonderful to see that pay off! Here is the story from the Rosemount Pages: http://www.rosemounttownpages.com/news/education/4006991-irish-band-chosen-macys-parade. Congratulations everyone!
Constituent Visits
Pastor Jon and Maila Ellefson from Rosemount came to the Capitol this week! Pastor Ellefson was guest chaplain for Monday’s floor session, and gave a beautiful prayer. It is always a pleasure to see the Ellefsons, and I think Gideon agrees!
Val, Jeff, and Darleen stopped by with SEIU’s Day at the Capitol. I enjoyed talking with them about their legislative priorities, and some policy approaches we are looking at this session. Thanks for stopping by!
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns. Email me any time at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills.
Enjoy the gorgeous weather this weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna