Hello from the Capitol!
It has been a crazy few days in St. Paul. This week during the legislative session is known as “first deadline week” around the Capitol. This means that all policy bills had to be heard in committee in either the House or the Senate by today, March 10th, to move forward in the legislative process. Going forward, committees will be focused on finance bills and crafting the budget.
This week, I testified on a bipartisan bill that I chief authored, House File 1182, which would lower parental contribution amounts for services for children with disabilities.
Below is a picture of parents waiting 11 hours to testify on this bill:
I met with constituents from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. We discussed important issues related to education.
I also met with constituents from the International Council of Shopping Centers to discuss property tax legislation.
On Thursday, I was recognized at the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference by being named one of three recipients of the Women of Excellence Award. This is a great honor and I appreciate the support!
Sunday Sales:
Earlier this week, Governor Dayton signed a bill into law that lifts the ban of selling liquor on Sundays. Starting Sunday, July 2nd, Minnesota liquor stores will have the option to start selling alcohol between the hours of 11 AM & 6 PM on Sundays.
U.S. Bank Stadium Suites:
On Monday, the House passed legislation aimed at increasing oversight and accountability of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) following the recent news and a report by the Legislative Auditor that taxpayer funded suite seats were being given away to MSFA board members’ families. The bill (House File 778) reforms the structure of the board and limits the use of these suites at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Controversy continues as it was reported on Sunday in the Star Tribune that former MSFA Chair: Michele Kelm-Helgen skipped to the front of the line to buy seat licenses and season tickets for the Vikings. This sort of blatant unethical behavior by the MSFA needs to come to an end. I am hopeful for swift action by the Senate and for the Governor’s signature on the bill.
Essay Contest:
Students, kindergarten through 12th grade, are encouraged to submit essays explaining how the State Capitol has shaped our collective past and how it will impact future generations. Contest winners will be invited to share their submissions during an August 12th program as part of festivities marking the completion of an extensive refurbishment of our 112-year old Capitol. Winners in each category also will receive a $1,000 college savings plan.
Essay participants can select from one of following topics:
- My Minnesota Capitol. Your Minnesota Capitol. Everybody’s Capitol. Everyone who works or visits the Capitol uses and views it in different ways. What does the Capitol building mean to you? What do you think it represents for Minnesotans from different backgrounds, and why is it important to remember that the Capitol building is designed for every Minnesotan?
- A Place to Remember History and for History in the Making. Many historical and symbolic moments have occurred at the State Capitol, and it will be the site of more history-making events in years to come. What is one of the most important events that occurred at the State Capitol? How do you think our state Capitol will continue to serve Minnesota as our state keeps changing, and what do you think might occur at the Capitol that will impact the future of Minnesota?
Essays will be reviewed by a panel of state officials. Each submission must contain the student’s name, school, home address, phone number and current grade on the front page or cover sheet. Middle and high school entries must be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced on white 8.5-by 11-inch piece of paper. Elementary school entries may be handwritten. Essays should be 250 words or fewer, and will be judged on creativity, clarity, content and adherence to the theme.
All essays must be received via email or postmarked by April 28th. Entries should be mailed to the Minnesota Department of Administration, c/o Kathy Morgan. 50 Sherburne Ave, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55117. Entries also may be emailed to: capitol.essays@state.mn.us.
More information on the contest also is provided at: http://mn.gov/admin/capitol-restoration/grand-opening/.
Good luck!
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-5387 or rep.roz.peterson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
