Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In this Issue:
- Governor Dayton Signs Budget into Law
- Capitol Grand Opening
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Governor Dayton Signs Budget into Law
This week, Governor Dayton signed the bipartisan budget bills into law to fund state government and its essential functions for the next two years. As I shared last week, this is great news for the people of our state. A $650 million middle-class tax relief bill and a comprehensive transportation package that will invest in our roads and bridges are among the highlights.
There is also more funding for every classroom across the state, with the Elk River School District receiving a $255 funding increase per pupil, the Osseo School District receiving a $302 funding increase per pupil and the Anoka-Hennepin School District receiving a funding increase of $342 per pupil. These are sizable increases for our schools.
You may have also seen that along with signing the bills on Tuesday, the governor took an unprecedented and unconstitutional step to defund the Legislature, attempting to essentially silence both the House and Senate for the next four years. It isn't acceptable to eliminate an entire branch of government just because we have different governing principles -- Minnesotans like you elected both of us. After such a productive session, the governor’s behavior is disappointing.
As a result, the Legislature is seeking outside counsel in an effort to defend your voice and your representation at the Capitol.
However, even on that note, I think that Minnesotans came out the winner of a comprehensive and bipartisan budget agreement this year that focuses on the needs and priorities of people not only in the northwest suburbs, but across the state.
Also, please know that even though we are no longer in session, I am here to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can assist you on a matter of state government or if you have ideas on how to make our state better.
Capitol Grand Opening
After four years and more than $300 million in restorations, the Minnesota State Capitol is now open to the public.
To commemorate this special occasion and to invite Minnesotans back to the People’s House, there will be an official Grand Opening Celebration held August 11-13. The celebration will have something for everyone – fireworks, concerts, demonstrations by the artisans that worked on the restoration, behind the scenes tours, and much more. With featured events to entertain Minnesotans of all ages and from all corners of the state, the Grand Opening weekend will be educational, interactive and a lot of fun! Most of the events are free, or offered at a very low cost.
Please mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the People’s House this summer!
For detailed information on the weekend, please visit this website: https://mn.gov/admin/capitol-restoration/grand-opening/
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv Question. The question was: Thursday, May 11 was Minnesota’s statehood day. How old did Minnesota turn? The answer was 159 years old.
Congratulations to Mark VanOosbree from Maple Grove for having the first correct response!
Here is this week’s question: The first can of this famous Minnesota-made product came off the production line in 1937.
Respond to this email with your answer, and you could be featured in next week’s email update!
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A