Greetings,
Before we get into news from the Capitol, I want to congratulate Eden Valley-Watkins agriculture department on receiving a state grant for enhancing its programming.
The grant is for $10,390 and is awarded to support an EV-W project entitled “Eden Valley Watkins Agriculture Program Expansion.” The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council awarded the grant and indicates the funding “will provide classroom equipment to implement new agricultural classes and provide hands-on learning opportunities.”
Agriculture is a significant component in our state’s economy, especially in regions such as ours. It is good to see staff and students in districts such as EV-W taking the lead by developing programs designed to build on the standard that has been set by previous generations.
Congratulations to EV-W for earning this grant and I look forward to seeing strong results achieved through this funding.
The 90th Legislature convened at the Capitol on Tuesday to begin the 2017 session. It always is nice to walk into the Capitol with a fresh start at the start of the session, but this time it is even more special as a massive $300 million renovation project nears completion. The work that has been done to restore the 112-year-old building will drop your jaw. They didn't miss a detail. I encourage folks to make a visit either during the session or during grand re-opening ceremonies being planned for this summer.
As for the issues, legislators spent the last several months sharing thoughts and ideas with constituents. Now that we are back in St. Paul we can put things into gear. In fact, we already have passed a House bill related to one of this session’s top priorities: tax relief. We fast-tracked into passage $21.7 million in immediate tax relief for Minnesotans by bringing the state’s tax code into compliance with federal provisions. This action was necessary by Jan. 11 in order for tax software programs to be updated in time for qualifying Minnesotans to take advantage of available reductions this tax season.
The bill is now in the hands of the Senate, which must provide approval before Gov. Mark Dayton can enact it.
We also on Thursday moved to bring to a vote the 2017 Health Care Emergency Aid and Access bill (H.F. 1), which would provide premium relief, extend access to doctors for continuity of care, and begin to reform the individual market. Democrats blocked the measure, despite agreeing days earlier to suspend the rules in order to expedite premium relief for Minnesotans.
Constituent outreach remains a primary focus of my public service. District 13A residents are invited to use the contact information in this email to provide input or set up an appointment.
Stay in touch as we make our way through the session. I look forward to continuing work on legislation that will help Minnesota be an even better state to work, live and raise a family.
Regards,
Jeff