Friends,
I hope you have been able to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather we've enjoyed so far in September! I'm sure a brisk cool-down is right around the corner so get that last nice bike ride, round of golf, or picnic in while the gorgeous weather allows it.
Last weekend's Osseo Lions Roar Days was so much fun and a great time for the whole family. So much good food and so many good friends, you really can't go wrong. It was great to see everyone in the parade and the reception was fantastic. I can't wait for next year's festivities!
Housing First Leadership Award
Last week I was honored by the Housing First Minnesota as a recipient of the 2017 Housing Leadership Award. The award recognize efforts during the 2017 legislative session to promote homeownership at price families can afford.
I am especially proud of my work this session to specifically address the shortage of condos and townhouses across Minnesota. My bill removed barriers in Minnesota law that had hindered development of multi-family housing such as condos and townhouses. The legislation passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, 122-7 in the House and 61-3 in the Senate, and received support from all areas of the state.
An improved townhouse and condo market will especially benefit middle and low income Minnesotans looking for the financial stability of home ownership. I was extremely pleased Governor Dayton agreed the changes put forth in my bill are good for Minnesotans and am glad we were able to make this important piece of legislation into law.
Supreme Court Update
Late last week the Supreme Court issued an order regarding the line-item veto to the legislatures funding that Governor Dayton issued at the end of the special session. Rather than issue a decision the court ordered the sides into mediation.
The court did affirm that “our constitution requires three distinct departments: legislative, executive and judicial”, and that “Constitutional powers may not be used ‘to accomplish an unconstitutional result.’” So while the governor does have the ability to make line-item vetoes, he cannot use it to accomplish an unconstitutional result. The full court order is available to be read here.
High School Page Program
The Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program is now accepting applications. Over the last 40 years the program has provided high school juniors with hands-on access to our state government in action. I encourage any high school junior who may be interested in learning more about the legislative process to apply for the page program by December 1st. Click here to apply!
So You Think You Can Dance Top 4!
Congratulations to Taylor Sieve who has made it into the final four for this season of So You Think You Can Dance on Fox. It's great to see someone from our area do such great things! Don't forget to tune in to support and vote for Taylor this Monday!
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 weekend!
Dennis