Dear Friends,
This week I was honored to drop the puck before the Rosemount vs Sibley girls hockey game. It was a great experience and I was able to shake the girls' hands before the game! Take a look at the cool video we made from the game on Facebook or on YouTube here. Go Irish!
Rep. Wills dropping the puck before the Irish Girls hockey game.
MNLARS Update
Beginning in January of 2018, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) was scheduled to begin issuing driver's licenses through MNLARS. The MNLARS system had been having serious problems delivering tabs, titles, and other functions during its rollout in 2017. Further complicating matters is the implementation of REAL ID that will be happening in 2018.
This week, DPS announced in order to rectify this situation and meet the need to deliver on all these core functions of government, they have contracted with a private vendor with a track record of delivering functioning licensing services across the country. DPS released a full fact sheet about the relationship here.
While it is extremely disappointing DPS could not deliver a functioning licensing system despite years to prepare and millions of taxpayer dollars invested, this solution should help to make sure Minnesotans have a functioning licensing system and we do not encounter any further problems implementing REAL ID. Our licensing system simply has to work and the legislature will continue to demand answers as to how MNLARS has faired so poorly and this additional outside vendor became necessary.
Military Family Discounts at the Minnesota Zoo!
Now through the end of the year, military personnel receive free admission, free parking, and half-price admission for family members at the Minnesota Zoo. There are also other discounts on food and gifts available for military families at the Zoo. Click here for full details.
2017 Legislative Session
The 2017 Session was truly a great example of what can get done in divided government. Every bill that was signed into law was by definition bipartisan as it passed a Republican Legislature and signed by a Democrat Governor. We successfully delivered the largest tax relief package for Minnesotans in nearly two decades and the largest investment in roads and bridge infrastructure in state history without a gas tax increase.
For a full recap of the 2017 Session, you can read my session review here.
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 anytime 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