Friends,
I've had a great time going neighborhood to neighborhood talking with constituents about what we did in the 2017 session and what they would like to see in the next session. Many of you have already started to see immediate benefits from health insurance reform bills passed this session, while many seniors I've spoken to were looking forward to reduced taxes on their social security benefits. Check out some the adorable animals I've met while out and about as well as a young entrepreneur. Hope you're having a great summer!
Broderick Boulevard Project
A number of you have mentioned the need to fix roads across the metro area. This is one of the reasons I was so thrilled about the major investment we made this session in roads and bridges. Over the next two years, there will be a more than $300 million influx into our roads and 97 bridges will be repaired or replaced thanks to a $25 million in funds for a new local bridge account.
As for local projects, I am proud to have been able to secure $1 million in funding to bring much needed improvement to Broderick Boulevard in Inver Grove Heights. This project is badly needed as it has become a constant headache for both local city officials and residents. I'm excited for this project to get underway.
New Laws from 2017 Session
The 2017 Legislative Session will go down as one of the most productive in recent memory. It took bipartisan compromise to get things done and that's exactly what we did in delivering the largest tax relief package for Minnesotans in nearly two decades. All this while still delivering much needed funding for our schools and the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in state history without a gas tax increase.
Many of these laws went into effect on July 1st, including allowing for the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Minnesota for the first time in state history. The rest of the laws that went into effect on July 1st can be seen here. Another batch of laws will go into effect on August 1st, that list can be viewed here.
On this day in History
After ratification by three-quarters of the States, the 14th Amendment was officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution on this day in 1868. The 14th Amendment reaffirmed the privileges and rights of all citizens to the equal protection of laws, which has been cited prominently in a variety of landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped the 20th century. You can read more here.
Reminder: Capitol Grand Opening Celebration
After a $310 million restoration and four years of work, the Minnesota State Capitol is open to the public. To commemorate this special occasion and to invite Minnesotans back to the People’s House, there will be a Grand Opening Celebration held on August 11, 12, and 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. 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!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling me at 651-296-4192, or share your thoughts by emailing me at rep.regina.barr@house.mn.
Have a great summer!
Regina