Testifiers from Canvas Health speaking before the HHS Finance Committee on behalf of HF 501 this week.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
Following last week’s nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor report finding that Commissioners and leadership at the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) violated core principles in giving free suite tickets and perks to friends, families and political acquaintances, there has been even more troubled news surrounding the authority this week.
First, on Tuesday, the State Government Finance Committee of which I am a member voted on a bipartisan vote of 17-1 to advance legislation that would overhaul the MSFA, restructure leadership and provide more oversight and accountability to this troubled agency.
On Wednesday, I, along with Representative Sarah Anderson, sent a letter to members of the MSFA asking about Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen and Executive Director Ted Mondale’s carte blanche authority to enter into high-cost contracts with little or no oversight. Without full board approval, Kelm-Helgen and Mondale entered into millions of dollars’ worth of contracts last year. Included among these contracts were advisory services and communications support when the MSFA already employs a full-time communications director.
As legal and ethical questions continue to swirl around the MSFA, on Thursday both Kelm-Helgen and Mondale resigned their posts.
House Republicans are working vigorously to bring more accountability and transparency to the MSFA and its politically-appointed leadership. Taxpayers deserve answers, and we will continue looking into this issue throughout the session, advancing key reform legislation.
HF 501
This week, House File 501 received another hearing in the Health and Human Services Finance Committee and was laid over for possible inclusion in their omnibus bill. House File 501 appropriates funding for the Voice Response Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Response Program, as well as the Text Message Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Response Program.
I am hopeful that we can get this provision signed into law later this session and will keep you updated on its progress.
HF 489
Also this week, my bill HF 489 was heard in the Education Finance Committee. This bill appropriates funding for the Principal Leadership Academy, a program operated by the University of Minnesota that provides executive leadership training for school leaders at public and charter schools. The program is funded through both state appropriations and by fees paid by participants.
The Principal Leadership Academy is a great tool for principals and can help them raise student achievement, understand ways to meet the critical challenges of educating students and improve the schools they serve.
Coffee and Conversation with Kelly Scheduled
I am inviting you to "Coffee and Conversation with Kelly" at Jerry's Foods in Woodbury on Saturday, February 25th.
This is an opportunity for people in Woodbury to come and share their priorities with me for the legislative session. From health care reform to REAL ID, there are a number of important issues moving through the legislature this year, and I welcome your questions, input and ideas on how we can make our great state even better.
I hope to see you there!
Here are the details:
WHAT: Coffee and Conversation with Kelly
WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 2017
WHERE: Jerry’s Foods, 7760 Hargis Pkwy, Community Room #1, Woodbury, MN 55129
TIME: 8:30-9:30 am
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As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.
Sincerely,
Kelly
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