Friends,
The good news is we are still ahead of schedule in getting the people of Minnesota's work done, despite Governor Dayton not coming to the table as early as we had hoped. Conference Committees have come to agreements and they will begin to hit the floor next week. Read an update about the status of negotiations and more below. Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!
Rep. Smith consulting with Majority Leader Peppin on the House Floor
Negotiations Continue
Early this session we set a goal to get the people of Minnesota's work done well and in an efficient manner. To that end, last week the House and Senate came to an agreement on joint budget targets. The agreements include over $1 billion in middle-class tax relief, over $1 billion in new K-12 education spending, and $372 million in new dedicated transportation funds.
In conference committees, House and Senate conferees came to agreements on what the final bills should be. Unfortunately, Governor Dayton and his agencies refused to take an active role in negotiating the bills during this open and transparent process. Now that the House & Senate have finalized our positions, hopefully Governor Dayton will come the table in good faith to get the people's work finished.
REAL ID Conference Committee
We continue to discuss how best to solves our differences and come to a solution on REAL ID so that Minnesotans are able to get a REAL ID. As a reminder, you can watch the video I put together on REAL ID here.
National Night Out
The House & Senate passed and Governor Dayton signed a bill that will assist local communities as they try to promote goodwill within their communities.The legislation allows cities, counties, and school districts to raise and spend money for events, such as National Night Out, to create better relationships between communities and the law enforcement officers who serve them. Maple Grove has been a leader in these type of events, finishing 2nd Nationally for cities of its size for the National Night Out event.
Rep. Smith and a constituent at the Speaker's Rostrum
Watch Out for Scams
Have you received a suspicious phone call or email lately and wondered what you can do about it? The Minnesota Department of Revenue has some tips and contact information available for those who have been targeted with fraudulent activity. Click here for more information.
Congratulations!
- Amy Paton, a counselor at Rice Lake Elementary in Maple Grove, was named Minnesota counselor of the year by the Minnesota School Counselors Association.
- Brad Davison, senior quarterback from Maple Grove, was named a 2017 Scholar Athlete by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Scholar athletes are chosen for academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
- Ruby Stauber, a 2016 graduate from Wayzata High School and a member of the Louisiana State University women's track team, ran the 10th fastest 800-yard time in the NCAA this year and holds the Minnesota High School record.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis