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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dennis Smith (R)

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Happy 4th of July!

Friday, June 30, 2017

Friends, 

I hope you have enjoyed summer so far. It's been nice to spend some time with family and friends, and I'm looking forward to some fun 4th of July festivities. This past Tuesday I held a town hall discussion where I had to opportunity to talk about the great work we did this session with a number of constituents. This week, I wanted to pass along my best wishes for a safe and happy 4th of July, and hope you're able to spend some time with family celebrating Independence Day with cookouts, fireworks, and more at community events planned across the state.

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Rep. Smith at his Town Hall discussion on Tuesday
 

New Laws Go into Effect (Sunday Sales!) 

Beginning July 1st, a number of new laws will go into effect including our historic investment in transportation and funding of our schools. You can see a complete list of newly enacted laws on July 1 here. Starting this Sunday, July 2nd, Minnesotans will have to opportunity to buy alcohol on Sunday at stores across the state. Store owners will now have the freedom to open any day of the week while consumers will have the freedom to shop any day any day of the week. This is great news for thousands of Minnesotans who have worked so hard to make this change happen. Cheers! 

 

Lawsuit Update & TV Interview

Last Monday the first court hearing on the case between the Legislature and Governor Dayton regarding the governor defunding the legislature with his misuse of the line-item veto. Following that hearing, the court accepted a joint agreement between the governor and the legislature to keep the funding in place until October 1st while the court case is decided. Last week I submitted a letter outlining my thoughts on this case. You can read the full letter here.

I was also glad to chat with Channel 12 News (CCX) about the lawsuit along with Minority Leader Melissa Hortman. You can watch the story here. 


Civics Groups at Capitol 

I was pleased to run a mock hearing for House File 3, the REAL ID bill, with a local civics group at the Capitol. If you have a group coming to the Capitol, please reach out as I'd love to meet with you. 

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Rep. Smith leading a mock hearing with a local civics group


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Rep. Smith and fellow legislators attended an event with the Hispanic Republican Assembly of Minnesota

Medallion Hunt

The Maple Grove Days Medallion Hunt released the fourth clue this Wednesday. Happy Hunting! 

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 Independence Day!

Dennis