Dear Friends,
As we head into this Independence Day Weekend, below is a brief overview of new laws taking effect in this new fiscal year, veterans provisions that became law this last session, and how things are progressing with the Legislature’s lawsuit against Governor Dayton for his line-item veto of the legislature’s funding.
New Laws take effect July 1, 2017
This session we passed a completed state budget that was signed by Governor Dayton, meaning the state government is funded for the 2018-19 biennium. The fiscal year begins July 1, and most provisions in our budget bills will take effect on that date.
Information regarding what laws will come into effect, including Sunday Liquor Sales, can be accessed at http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0717nlrelease.pdf.
Veteran’s Provisions
In light of Independence Day, I wanted to touch on some of the measures we were able to pass into law this session for those who have fought to defend them - our veterans. So much was accomplished in the Veterans Affairs Committee this session, so this list is just a few of the highlights that passed the legislature and were signed into law this year.
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Approximately $150 million appropriated over the next two years to fund Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs agencies.
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A $700,000 grant to develop new, and improve existing, affordable housing dedicated for low to moderate income Veterans and their families at the Veterans Journey Home.
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A $500,000 grant through the Minnesota Humanities Center to support Veterans involved with the criminal justice system through education and outreach.
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$250,000 to aid in building Medal of Honor Memorial on the grounds of the Capitol.
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$200,000 to the Minnesota Humanities Center for continued productions of their Veterans Voices programming.
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A Minnesota Remembers $650,000 grant to Twin Cities Public Television to produce content telling the stories of Minnesota's Vietnam Veterans.
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$278,000 to develop and build a welcome center at the Veterans Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake.
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$400,000 from the workforce development fund to the Helmets to Hardhats initiative through the Construction Careers Foundation.
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Disabled Veterans Homestead Market Value Exclusion extended to an eligible veteran's surviving spouse, allowing a surviving spouse of an eligible veterans to apply for the homestead market value exclusion following the death of that veteran for up to eight years or until the spouse remarries, sells or transfers or otherwise disposes of the property.
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$5 million to repair critical infrastructure projects at Minnesota Veterans Homes throughout the state.
Legislature/Governor Lawsuit
Regarding the legislature’s ongoing lawsuit with Governor Dayton, oral arguments were heard on Monday in Ramsey County District Court. You can watch the hearing at this link: https://youtu.be/kV5aSFTw9aQ
The legislature was also notified that the Court is accepting the stipulation agreement House and Senate leadership signed with the Governor to fully fund the Legislature at 2017 levels through October 1st.
This is good news, and allows members and staff to continue working on behalf of our constituents while the Court considers our case. I will continue to keep you abreast of this situation as information becomes available.
Happy Independence Day!
I would like to take a moment to wish you a happy Independence Day Weekend. We are so fortunate to live in a nation founded on the idea that all men are created equal and that there are God-given rights bestowed on every human being that must be defended and held close. I hope you find a chance to relax, and celebrate with family and friends. You may want to take advantage of all the fun activities going on with the Apple Valley Freedom Days, details here: http://www.avfreedomdays.com/
Interim Appointments
If you would like to meet with me to as any questions or discuss a particular issue, my meetings will be held in-district during these months before next year’s session. Simply use the same contact information for my office below, and we will find a time and place to meet in our community, instead of traveling all the way to Saint Paul!
Keep in Touch
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns. Email me any time at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills and Twitter at https://twitter.com/annacwills.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B