Dear Neighbors,
This weekend starts the official weekend of summer for all of our school children – I wish each of them a happy and safe summer. Don’t forget our great programs at the Maple Grove Library during these hot days like we are experiencing today.
The third week since the legislative session has ended and there is hopeful talk of a special session that could bring resolution to the not yet completed bills; a summary of recent developments is below:
- Bill Status Update
- Maple Grove Days Medallion Hunt – First Clue!
- Maple Grove resident named for award finalist
- Arbor Lakes Chalkfest June 11-12
Bill Status Update
You may remember from my update earlier this week, Governor Dayton ended up vetoing our bipartisan, $800 million tax relief plan. This bill passed on a 123-10 vote in the House and 55-12 vote in the Senate. Despite the wide bipartisan support, the governor refuses to call a special session unless his demands for a larger bonding bill are met. When we passed the bill, he even said he wouldn’t hold one bill hostage just to gain a better bargaining position, but that’s exactly what he seems to be doing. We’re ready to go back to St. Paul, make the one-word fix to the tax bill, and re-pass the legislation that would give relief to working families, small business owners, military veterans, and recent college grads. The governor agrees this is an important bill for Minnesotans, so let’s get it done…again.
Maple Grove Days
The coveted Maple Grove Days are fast approaching (July 14-17) and the Medallion Hunt started with the release of the first clue this week. Join in on the fun for the search and check with the search headquarters at 763-494-5956 for more information! In the coming days there will be many activities scheduled for the community-wide celebration – visit the website here to stay on top of all of the activities!
Maple Grove Award Finalist
Congratulations to Zakria Ghani for receiving the bronze medal this week for the recognition of his selection for the Distinguished Finalist for Minnesota in the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards! Zakria assembled members of Maple Grove together to raise over $8,500 for the victims of the fire in the Cedar-Riverside area of Minneapolis. Join me in wishing Zakria well in the receipt of this award!
Arbor Lakes Chalkfest June 11-12
Join the two-day, free art festival in our own Arbor Lakes to see many world-renowned professional artists and amateur artists show their work! This is a great family event that includes food and entertainment for the family. Details for the event can be found here.
Please Contact Me
While we are out of session, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions. Please continue to contact me via email or call me – your feedback is important. It is my honor to represent our community at the Capitol. I can be reached via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, by phone at 651-296-5502, and US mail address: 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.
Have a great weekend and stay cool out there!
Dennis
P.S. Please encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates here.