Dear Friends,
This week the House passed a bill reforming the Minnesota Sports Authority board to address concerns regarding corruption. This issue, and some other information regarding our first policy bill deadline and events in our community are detailed below.
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) Reform
Questions arose late last year regarding the MSFA and some ethically questionable practices came to light. This article provides and overview of the situation to provide some context, in case you have not been following this issue: http://www.startribune.com/auditor-u-s-bank-stadium-authority-violated-core-ethical-principles-with-free-tickets-for-friends-and-family/413031363/#
After reported misuse of two U.S. Bank Stadium suites by Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) board members, the House introduced legislation that would increase oversight, accountability and transparency for this board. The bill made its way through the committee process, and is aimed at reforming the MSFA’s governance structure and imposes limits on how the free Vikings Stadium suites can be used in order to end the unethical practices we have uncovered with the MSFA since last fall.
The MSFA bill, House File 778, passed on a bipartisan vote of 122-7 on Monday, March 6th. The bill has been sent to the Senate, and I am optimistic that this bill will be signed into law. Public officials at all levels of government must be held accountable to the highest ethical standard, and I believe HF778 is an essential fist-step in accomplishing this with the MSFA.
First Deadline for Bills
Today March 10th, is the first deadline for policy bills in the House. This deadline has meant more frequent committee hearings this week to get policy bills an initial hearing and in the process for this session. Here is a video from the non-partisan House Public Information Service’s facebook page that details the reason behind these deadlines in the legislative process: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MNHouseInfo/videos/
HF 386
I have recently received some inquiries regarding HF 386, a bill that allows a new tax credit for donations to organizations that provide nonpublic school scholarships.
I support school choice and strong schools. Just because I support private, charter, and homeschool, in no way means that I don't also support public schools. This session I am coauthoring a bill that would provide a 2% increase each year of the biennium on the per-pupil funding formula to help support our public schools. My top priority is giving all of our students the chance for a quality education, regardless of whether they are in public or private schools. I look forward to continuing my support for measures that make our education system stronger for our students in whatever sort of school best fits their individual needs.
K-12 Capitol Essay Contest
As part of this summer’s Capitol restoration celebration, Minnesota students K-12 are being encouraged to submit essays on how the State Capitol has impacted our cultural history and the influence it will have on coming generations of Minnesotans. Contest winners will be selected in three categories: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Selected students will share their essays at the Capitol restoration completion ceremony this August. Students will also receive a $1,000 college savings plan if their essay is selected.
The deadline to submit essays is April 28. Additional information, including essay subjects and rules, can be found at this
link. I hope that the talented students from our district will participate in this piece of our state’s history!
Town Hall Tomorrow
As I have mentioned the last couple of weeks, Rep. Erin Maye Quade (House District 57A), Sen. Greg Clausen (Senate District 57), and I will be holding a town hall in our district tomorrow, March 11th, at 1:30 PM, at Falcon Ridge Middle School in Apple Valley.
Hope you can join us for a conversation! Visit the Facebook event for details and updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1687191627965605/
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Fundraiser
On March 20th, from 5-8 PM, there will be a pizza and pasta fundraiser for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in Rosemount to support local veterans and their families. Tickets can be purchased at Diva’s and Denim (in Rosemount) for $10, and children under the age of 5 will eat for free. Here is a link to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Rosemount’s facebook page for more information:https://www.facebook.com/beyondtheyellowribbonrosemount/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
Keep in Touch
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns. Email me any time at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills. If you plan to stop by and visit me at the Capitol, my office is 491 in the State Office Building. I am returning from maternity leave on March 13th this coming week and look forward to seeing many of you!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B