Dear Friends,
I hope you had time to relax over this past Easter/Passover holiday. Here is a quick overview of our first days back from legislative break.
Conference Committees
This week was spent primarily in conference committees. The first day back from Easter Break, both the House and Senate named members to joint conference committees for each of the major budget bills. These committees will meet over the next few weeks to debate the differences between House and Senate companion bills, and will pass final versions once agreements are reached.
As I have mentioned in the past, House and Senate leadership agreed that the final deadlines for policy and finance bills this year should be significantly earlier than it had been in years past. This was done to allow for more transparency and plenty of time to negotiate with Governor Dayton.
Here is an article by the MN House Public Information Office that explains the conference committee process: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12783
50 Year Anniversary of Non-Partisan Research and Fiscal Departments
This week we honored the non-partisan House Research and Fiscal Departments for 50 years of dedicated service. The analysts in these departments are indispensable to the functioning of the legislature, and provide unbiased overviews regarding what impact bills will have if they are passed into law. They serve both parties with dignity and fairness, and every legislature from both sides of the aisle has benefited from their expertise in their 50 years of service.
MN Zoo Day at the Capitol
This Tuesday was Minnesota Zoo Day at the Capitol. The Zoo brought several animals with them for the public to interact with and learn about the conservation projects the Zoo is involved in. Solomon and Shalom enjoyed getting to meet a few of these critters. I am so grateful to have this resource in our area, and look forward to many trips to the Zoo making memories with my children in years to come.
Here is a quick video that I filmed with MN Zoo Director, John Frawley: https://www.facebook.com/RepAnnaWills/videos/1257769677673168/
Ben Kopp Bridge Bill
On Wednesday I testified in the Ways and Means Committee on behalf of my bill, HF745, which would rename the bridge over Hwy 52 in Coates to honor Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp, who was killed in service to his country.
This bill has been sent to the general register, and will receive a hearing on the House floor in the near future. It has been my honor to carry this legislation, and I am optimistic that it will receive support in the House.
New Horizon Academy Visit
On Wednesday, I had so much fun touring New Horizon Academy in Apple Valley to see the great things they do to prepare kids for school. Thank you for your work!
Dakota County Regional Chamber Ribbon-Cutting
On Monday, I had a great time at the Dakota County Regional Chamber ribbon-cutting for the Twin City Homes remodel! It was the twins’ first ribbon-cutting. Congratulations to Twin City Homes!
Apple Valley Boy Scouts
Also on Monday, Apple Valley Mayor Mary and I had the pleasure of talking to the Apple Valley Boy Scouts about public service and being an engaged citizen. Thank you for the invitation!
Red Bulls 34th Infantry Division Leadership Meeting
Thank you Red Bulls 34th Infantry Division for hosting the City of Rosemount, Senator Greg Clausen, and myself on Saturday, April 8th, for a briefing on the amazing work you do!
Constituent Visits
Thank you to constituents Marcy and Judy for visiting me at the Capitol to discuss clean water and environment issues.
Thanks to constituents Alice and Dan for visiting me at the Capitol to discuss engineering priorities.
Had a wonderful visit with these young ladies and their parents (not pictured) sharing about my job as a State Representative.
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 and Twitter at https://twitter.com/annacwills. If you plan to stop by and visit me at the Capitol, my office is 491 in the State Office Building.
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B