Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol and around our community.
New Laws
The beginning of 2018 means that several new laws took effect on January 1. Some highlights include setting five uniform election dates for local elections, age-related hearing loss training for home care providers, new license plates to honor fallen officers and extending insurance coverage for eye drop refills.
You can read more about laws that took effect at the beginning of January in a press release from House Public Information Services here.
Anoka Receives $5 million Grant
Congratulations and thanks to the City of Anoka for work that led them to be the recipients of a $5 million grant from the Transportation Economic Development (TED) Program for improvements along Highways 10 and 169.
The grants, which were administered through the Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, were given to a total of seven communities across the state. The projects chosen for TED grants support transportation needs and positive economic outcomes.
As I have shared in past updates, the upgrades planned for Hwy 10 will address safety and mobility issues. The plans are also expected to reduce corridor delays by 75 percent. I look forward to continuing to work with the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey, Anoka County, and colleagues in St. Paul to get the funds needed to upgrade our main thoroughfares.
You can read more about the Anoka project and other TED grant projects in a MNDOT press release here.
Religious Freedom Day Event at the Capitol Next Week
I, along with Senator Dan Hall, faith leaders and Minnesotans across the state will be participating in a Keep Faith in America Event next Tuesday, January 16 at 10:30 AM in the Capitol Rotunda. I invite you to join us!
The purpose of the event is to proclaim a unifying message of faith, civility and religious freedom. Elected officials from over 30 States and Congress will also be holding events at State Capitols declaring by Proclamations, Resolutions, and Pledges that Faith belongs in America. They are boldly calling for prayer in our country, the restoration of civility, and the protection of religious freedom.
The event, which takes place on National Religious Freedom Day, will also have a first-of-its-kind live stream that will showcase events taking place in St. Paul and in cities across the nation. You can access the Facebook Live broadcast on the day of the event and stream it by using this RTMP url -rtmp://prod-wowza-private1.wwl.tv:1935/live?token_out=public/c9.
Feel free to contact my office if you have questions. I hope to see you there!
Not in Our City 5K
Last month I participated in a Not in Our City 5K which raised money to support anti-human trafficking charities in our community. With the Super Bowl coming to Minnesota in a few weeks, the issue of human trafficking is thankfully receiving more attention, and I’d encourage you to look into ways you can help.
You can learn more about Not in Our City here. Other key links include:
State: http://mnhttf.org/get-involved/ or http://mnhttf.org/human-trafficking/organizationsproviders/
National: https://polarisproject.org/
MNLARS Update
Minnesota citizens, deputy registrars, car dealers and many others across the state have continued to run into serious technical issues with the new Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) since the system was updated last summer. It is particularly frustrating because this nearly $100 million taxpayer-funded program has not been working from the beginning, causing headaches and frustrations for citizens, and causing many local DMVs to blow through overtime budgets as they try and address issues.
While some improvements have been made, there is still much more to be done to get things operating as they should. MNIT are holding meetings across the state with stakeholders to gather input, and plan to share a full roadmap by the end of the month that will address the functionality of the entire system and a timeline on how to fix the problems.
On that note, if you’ve had issues with MNLARS and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Around the Community
March for Life
The 2018 March for Life hosted by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life will take place January 22 at noon on the south Capitol Mall in St. Paul. It will be followed by a brief program on the Capitol steps at 12:30. I would encourage you to attend! Find out more here.
Turn the Lights On Anoka Housing Project Benefit
This Sunday, January 14 at 7:00 PM is a concert benefit for the “Turn the Lights On” Anoka Housing Project which helps homeless veterans in the Anoka area. The event is in partnership with Eagles Healing Nest and the performer will be Rockie Lynne. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit the project. Learn more here.
Anoka County Career Fair
The Anoka County Career Fair will take place Wednesday February 7, and is open to the public from 11 AM to 2PM at Anoka Technical College. The event is free to attend. You can learn more here.
Anoka Winterfest
Celebrate winter at Anoka Winterfest February 9th and 10th. There are a number of events for the whole family! You can learn more here.
Ramey Parks and Recreation
There are plenty of fun activities in Ramsey this January! Check out the Ramsey Parks and Recreation event calendar here for more information.
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Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you and it is a joy! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Abigail