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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Kelly Fenton (R)

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Legislative Update

Friday, May 12, 2017

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.

Vivian Act

This week, I introduced the Vivian Act which will promote education, awareness and early detection of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that affects around one in every 150 babies born each year and is the most common congenital viral infection in the United States, according to the National CMV Foundation. Of those children, approximately one in five babies will be sick or have long-term health problems including hearing loss, vision loss, intellectual disability, small head size, lack of coordination, weakness of muscles and seizures. The legislation is named after Vivian Henrikson, a three-year old born with congenital CMV who developed cerebral palsy and deafness.

We are advancing the Vivian Act so that parents and children born with congenital CMV like Vivian can get the help they need right away, leading to better long-term outcomes. This legislation makes evidence-based information available to health care practitioners and expectant mothers, and recommends doctors consider testing babies who do not pass the newborn hearing screening which is a common early indicator of CMV.

I will be advocating for this legislation to receive hearings and get signed into law.

Tax Relief and Budget Bills

The Legislature is focused on getting its work done for the people of Minnesota, passing a comprehensive budget that includes meaningful tax relief, funding for transportation, limited government growth and investments in our shared priorities.

This week, the House passed a number of compromise budget bills agreed upon in conference committees including more than $1 billion in tax relief, $1.14 billion in increased education funding over the current biennium, and a transportation bill that focuses on improving our roads and bridges. With little time left, we are hoping that Governor Dayton will act favorably on these bills or make meaningful negotiating offers and work toward setting global budget targets so we can get our work done. All of our bills include bipartisan provisions and policies that are priorities for Governor Dayton.

The budget bills passed this week are what we believe will best serve Minnesota families and taxpayers. I look forward to continuing to work in the coming week so we can get our work done for Minnesota. I will keep you updated.

Congratulations College Graduates!

A number of college students in Minnesota are graduating this month. I’d like to wish all of the graduates and their families congratulations on this significant accomplishment!

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As always, if you have ideas about what you would like to see happen this session or need assistance on a matter of state government, I welcome you to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to call (651-296-1147), email (rep.kelly.fenton@house.mn) or stop by my office.

Sincerely,

Kelly

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