Dear Friends,
What a beautiful fall! I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy the nice weather with your friends and family before our Minnesota winter sets in (but let’s not think about that yet!). Here are a few legislative updates and upcoming community events:
Cub Scout Pack 207
Last night I had the opportunity to speak to our local Cub Scout Pack 207 regarding my job as a legislator and how a bill becomes a law! Thank you Pack 207 for the invitation, you are truly future leaders!
(Note: scouts not shown so as to respect their privacy.)
Supreme Court Order
Earlier this month, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an order regarding the lawsuit filed by the Legislature challenging the constitutionality of the Governor’s line-item veto of the operational funding of the Legislature. The Court’s order did not render a decision on the case, nor did it overturn the lower court's ruling that stated the Governor’s veto of the Legislature’s funding is unconstitutional. Instead, the Court ordered that the Legislature go into mediation with the Governor.
Two days into mediation, the Governor walked out, subsequently ending this effort. The Legislature’s goal has been, and will continue to be, to restore the voices of Minnesotans at the Capitol. I will keep you posted with any updates as I receive them.
Board of Teaching
KSTP recently reported that the Board of Teaching failed to report sexual misconduct allegations by teachers to law enforcement. I am outraged that the Board of Teaching did not report this sort of unacceptable behavior.
This past session, we passed legislation that should help avoid such ineptitude going forward. State law now requires that the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, which is replacing the Board of Teaching, “report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities a revocation, suspension, or agreement involving a loss of license, relating to a teacher or administrator’s inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor.”
Click here to read/watch the story.
REAL ID
Minnesota was recently granted an extension from the federal government on the implementation of REAL ID until at least January 22, 2018. The state will continue to request extensions until all Minnesotans have the opportunity to apply for a REAL ID when their current license expires. If the state continues to make progress on implementing REAL ID, we will continue to receive additional extensions. Thankfully, there is no cost to the state to request these extensions. Your current driver’s license will still meet federal requirements until all REAL ID-compliant licenses are distributed. At this point, no action needs to be taken on your end.
Beginning in October of 2018, REAL ID-compliant licenses should be ready to be distributed to Minnesotans. Once Minnesota becomes fully REAL ID-compliant, Minnesotans will have to either apply to get a REAL ID, or apply for a non-compliant state driver's license and use a passport in order to board airplanes, or visit military bases and federal buildings.
Click here to read/watch KARE 11’s story.
High School Page Program
Applications for the 2018 Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program have been mailed to our local schools. I encourage any high school junior interested in the political process to apply.
Throughout the week-long program, pages will assist state representatives and staff in the House Chamber during session, observe how committees are conducted, meet individually with their local state representative, and learn how legislation moves through the political process. This program also gives students the opportunity to meet with constitutional officers, members of the judiciary, lobbyists, and members of the media.
To learn more and to apply, click here.
Elections/Voting
Absentee voting has begun for the District 196 School Board Election! Click here to learn more and where to vote.
A FEW EVENTS COMING UP IN OUR COMMUNITY:
Fire Prevention Week Open Houses
Fire Prevention week is this week! If you haven’t had a chance to attend one of the Open Houses hosted by the Apple Valley Fire Department, or would like to attend another Open House, bring your family to the one hosted by the Rosemount Fire Department to learn about fire prevention and safety:
- Station 1 located at 14700 Shannon Pkwy, Sunday, October 15th, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
(Gideon & I had a great time at the Apple Valley Fire Station #2 Open House on Wednesday!)
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Fundraisers
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, which helps support local military service members and their families, will be hosting two fundraisers in our community over the next couple days. I encourage your participation!
Send a Care Package to a Deployed Soldier
The Minnesota West Point Parents Club (MNWPPC) will be sending care packages to deployed soldiers on Saturday, November 4th. If you know of a deployed soldier that you would like to send a care package to, please email their name and address to Nikki Jackson at njag@frontiernet.net . Nikki has two sons who graduated from Rosemount High School and are currently serving in the military.
If you are able to make a donation to help cover costs, please make the check out to MNWPPC and mail to Nikki Jackson at 6739 Featherstone Drive, Savage, MN 55378.
Requests and donations must be received by October 27th.
Rosemount Parks Master Plan
If you would like to share your vision for the future of Rosemount’s parks, trails, and open space, please attend one of the following meetings:
- October 16th, 6:30 PM, Rosemount Steeple Center – 14375 S. Robert Tr.
- October 23rd, 6:30 PM, Rosemount Community Center – 13885 S. Robert Tr.
Call Rosemount Parks and Recreation Department at 651-322-6000 with any questions.
Interim Appointments
If you would like to meet with me to ask 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