Dear Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol, a number of issues and bills moved forward in the House. From repealing the Sunday alcohol sales ban to electing regents to the University of Minnesota, here is an update with the latest news from Saint Paul.
House File 400
On Thursday we passed House File 400 which ensures that companies and institutions that discriminate against Israel through the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement will be ineligible for state contracts. I am a co-author on this initiative.
Fifteen other states have passed similar legislation, and the U.S. House and Senate are also considering bipartisan bills that prevent taxpayer dollars from funding BDS discrimination. I am pleased that this bill garnered bipartisan support, and I will keep you updated on its progress this session.
Real ID
For those continuing to follow the Real ID debate in the Legislature, I wanted to share an update that House File 3, the Real ID-compliance bill, passed the House on Thursday. While I did not support the bill in its current form, in large part due to the power the federal government ceded to the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand the uses of Real ID at any time, I also understand the concerns of many others who would like to continue to be able to board commercial aircrafts and enter federal facilities with a state-issued driver's license.
The full Senate has yet to debate this bill, and I will keep you updated with the latest news on this issue.
Sunday Sales
On Monday, the House passed standalone legislation for the first time in state history that would repeal the ban on Sunday alcohol sales. I supported the measure as I believe that, like other businesses, those that sell alcohol should be allowed the option of whether to open on Sundays or not.
Though I understand the concerns that this may put small liquor stores out of business, I do not think that needs to be the case. For example, Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby choose not to open on Sundays for religious reasons and many continue to support those businesses.
If the bill also passes the Senate, Governor Dayton has indicated that he will sign the bill into law.
House File 346
This session, I am co-authoring legislation carried by Representative Tony Cornish that will help peace officers dealing with crisis intervention and conflict management.
The bill would require that beginning next year, additional in-service training for officers would be required to cover crisis intervention, mental illness crises, conflict management mediation and diversity training. The legislation would also fund the new training.
De-escalation and additional conflict training can help save the lives of Minnesotans and peace officers. The bill has strong bipartisan support, and I hope it will be signed into law this year.
Regents
Every biennium the Legislature is tasked with selecting regents to govern the University of Minnesota.
Earlier this week in a joint meeting of the House and Senate, four of the twelve regents were selected for the University of Minnesota. Two new regents were selected, Ken Powell, the chairman and CEO of General Mills, and former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum.
In addition, two members were re-elected to serve another term: David McMillan, an executive with Minnesota Power and attorney Darrin Rosha.
I had the opportunity to speak with each of these individuals and am hopeful they will bring a needed measure of increased scrutiny to the University's budgeting process, as well as a willingness to review some of the University's more controversial research policies, specifically related to aborted fetal tissue.
Meeting Invitations for the City of Ramsey: Comprehensive Planning & Highway 10
This Monday, February 27th, from 5:30-8:30 pm the City of Ramsey is holding a Comprehensive Plan Update Kick-Off Meeting at the Ramsey Municipal Center in the Lake Itasca Room. If you are able I encourage you to attend, as the City's page invitation states, "[H]elp our community guide future neighborhoods, business districts, parks and open space, roads and highways, just to name a few..."
For further background, the meeting is being held in accordance with Minnesota law which requires the City to complete an update to the Comprehensive Plan every ten years. From the City's website: "The Comprehensive Plan is the City's plan for future land uses. The Plan includes assumptions on physical development throughout the community and is a vision for how the City will evolve over the next twenty (20) years. The Comprehensive Plan is an important document that helps guide public facilities, areas of preservation and development, and development of various zoning guidance. In 2008, the City completed a draft of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan."
You may RSVP at www.cityoframsey.com/comprehensiveplan or by calling 763-433-9824.
On March 16th, the City of Ramsey will be holding an informational meeting for businesses along Highway 10. This is part of a larger planning effort, and they will be providing information regarding the Greater Minnesota Gateway, the MnDOT Highway 10 Access Plan, local zoning, land use and property maintenance issues.
The meeting will take place on Thursday March 16, 2017, from 8-10 am at the Fountains of Ramsey, 7533 Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey, MN.
If you are planning to attend, you can RSVP at www.cityoframsey.com/planning
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail