Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Abigail Whelan (R)

Back to profile

Legislative Update from Rep. Abigail Whelan (05.05.17)

Friday, May 5, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

It was another busy week in Saint Paul as budget negotiations continue. Here is the latest update from the Capitol.

Budget Negotiations

Conference committees worked diligently and finished negotiating legislation that was agreed upon by House and Senate conferees early this week. Now legislative leaders are working to find common ground with Governor Dayton. As of now, I am cautiously optimistic that we can come to a final agreement on budget bills prior to the end of session, thereby avoiding a special session.

However, it will take engagement from all parties, and it is difficult to predict what may happen. I will share more as we continue to work out a final budget agreement.

Bonding Bill Unveiled

This week the House unveiled a capital investment (bonding) bill that overwhelmingly focuses on key needs in the state including transportation, clean water infrastructure and asset preservation. All of the projects in the bill have been vetted over the last two years, and focus on our state’s infrastructure needs.

The bill, which must originate in the House, totals $600 million and is one of the state’s largest bonding bills ever assembled in the first year of a biennium. In part I believe this is because the state did not pass a bonding bill last year, which is the year typically considered a bonding year (the second year of the biennium).

Notably, of the $600 million, $239 million is for local bridge and road projects. I was also pleased to see funds for security upgrades for the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center.

I expect bonding to be part of final budget negotiations and will keep you updated.

Grant to Anoka County

House Image

At the Legacy Grant Award Ceremony in Anoka on Tuesday

The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee is funding community-led efforts across the state on behalf of kids and families with Legacy grants. The grants are in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Statewide Health Improvement Program.

On Tuesday, a Legacy grant was awarded to Anoka County for a replacement playground at George Enloe Park that will provide greater accessibility for children of all abilities, so children with crutches, walkers, or in wheelchairs will be able to utilize the play environment more freely.

On a personal note, I grew up in this neighborhood and remember when the park was built! It was a delight to return to my old stomping grounds and take part in the ground-breaking.

Thanks to the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, Anoka County and the City of Anoka for their work on this.

Protecting Girls

This week the Civil Law committee heard a bill on female genital mutilation. Chief authored by Rep. Franson, I was proud to sign on as a co-author.

While current law already specifies it is illegal for a doctor to perform female genital mutilation, it says nothing about the parents of these girls subjecting them to this horrific practice. This legislation would change that and identify it as child abuse.

In the committee, we heard testimony from a woman who underwent this procedure as a young girl. It was hard to listen to, but so important for members of the committee and public to hear and know about what this practice actually is: The purpose of it is to ensure a girl never experiences sexual enjoyment in her life. There is absolutely no medical benefit.

I believe we need to do all we can to stop this from happening to other little girls. For more, please see: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12838 ;

Members of the committee raised some important questions regarding specific bill language, and I believe there are ways we can improve upon the bill as it continues through the committee process.

Prayer Caucus & the National Day of Prayer

House Image

Legislators gathered out in front of the Capitol for National Prayer Day!

Yesterday we celebrated National Day of Prayer at the Capitol. The gathering was held outdoors in front of our State Capitol Building. It was a great event, and I am glad we had such a wonderful turnout and weather!

In addition, Senator Dan Hall and I had the opportunity to announce the launch of the Minnesota Legislative Prayer Caucus as an affiliate of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation. Currently, there are 31 states with official legislator prayer caucuses across the nation. For more, see: http://cpcfoundation.com/.

National Charter School Week

This week is National Charter Schools Week! Minnesota is a national leader in charters, having enacted the first charter school law in 1991. More than 3 million students attend charter schools nationwide like the fantastic PACT School in Ramsey.

School choice is a critical component to providing Minnesota children with a well-rounded education, and I want to take a moment to say thank you to the PACT School Board and staff, as well as all community members, for your work in ensuring PACT continues to operate with excellence. We are blessed to have such a wonderful Charter in our community!

Around the Community

Spring Recycling Day Event: Tomorrow from 8 a.m to noon is the Spring Recycling Day Event at the Ramsey Public Works Facility (14221 Jaspar St NW). You will be able to drop off appliances, light bulbs, batteries, mattresses, carpet, textiles, scrap metal, tires and other recyclables for various fees. You can get more information at www.cityoframsey.com

Talking about Alzheimer’s: Every third Tuesday of the month through May, caregivers and others are welcome to share their experiences and gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how it affects family, friends, and our community. It takes place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Rum River Library, 4201 6th Ave. in Anoka.

Property Tax Help: Volunteers are available to help senior citizens and Minnesotans with disabilities apply for their homeowners/renters Minnesota property tax refund. You will need to bring your federal form 1040 or records showing your 2016 total household income, a copy of your 2017 real estate tax statement if you’re a homeowner, and a certificate of rent paid for renters.

Dates include May 9 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Ramsey Municipal Center (7550 Sunwood Dr. N.W.) and May 16 from 1:00-4:30 p.m. at the Anoka County Government Center (2100 3rd Ave., Room 715).

Foster Hope: To address our foster care shortage, Anoka County has partnered with groups to help families in crisis and provide information about foster care in the community. You can go to www.anokacounty.us/foster for more information.

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