Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol and around our community.
MNLARS
This week, a road-map on how to fix MNLARS was presented to the legislature.
Minnesota taxpayers have already paid nearly $100 million (almost double what was estimated) over the last decade for MNLARS, our new Minnesota Licensing and Registration System - yet we have gone backwards. Doing previously simple tasks like transferring titles or renewing tabs has become a major headache, and we learned this week that the MN Department of Public Safety and Minnesota IT (MN.IT) services are requesting another $43 million for fixes.
Notably, before the program launched earlier this year lawmakers were told that MNLARS was working and ready for launch. When it failed, we were assured problems would be fixed quickly. This has not happened.
Furthermore, how do we know that the millions of dollars requested, if appropriated, will actually produce the outcome desired when the money originally appropriated did not produce the desired outcome? To be honest, I think the answer is we don't. We can hope, but as my colleague Rep. Jim Nash stated in recent Pioneer Press article, "'Apologies are, I guess, accepted, but no one has taken responsibility'."
I think it is important that we hold ourselves accountable and learn from this mistake. I am not necessarily advocating firing anyone, I am advocating for the individuals to acknowledge whether or not they are responsible, apologize, and work to try to figure out what went wrong - specifically, what went wrong - so we can work to ensure this does not happen again.
In sum, the MNLARS launch was an extremely large failure for Minnesota citizens and taxpayers. I am not comfortable appropriating more money to MNLARS at this point, especially when no one has claimed responsibility. I will work with colleagues and others to get to the bottom of this, and again, hope that we are able to learn from this so we do not repeat it.
Gainsharing
The nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) recently released a report about Minnesota’s gainsharing program which became law in 2011. The purpose of the program when it was passed was to give incentives to government employees whose work produces documented savings of taxpayer dollars in a state agency.
Unfortunately, what the OLA report found was that the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB) has not implemented the gainsharing program as required.
This is a program meant to increase government efficiency and accountability. I echo the recent statement by Rep. Vogel and Rep. Nash on this, available here.
Super Bowl Week
Super Bowl week is officially here in Minnesota! While there are a lot of exciting things going on in the community over the next several days, there are also opportunities to raise awareness for anti-trafficking campaigns.
Serve the City, Justice Awakening, and the Not in Our City Virtual 5K are some places you can get involved. Click the links to learn more.
Around the Community
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 2 PM 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.
Coffee with a Cop
On February 7 from 5 PM to 7 PM, you can stop by the Hardee’s on East Main Street in Anoka to have coffee with a cop. Stop by and chat with your local Anoka police officers! You can learn more here.
Northern Suburban Home Improvement Show
The 20th annual North Suburban Home Improvement Show will be on Saturday, March 10 from 8 AM to 2 PM at the Andover YMCA. It’s sponsored by the cities of Coon Rapids, Anoka and Andover, as well as the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce. There will be more than 100 vendors at the event, so don’t miss out! More information can be found here.
Ramsey Parks and Recreation
There are plenty of fun activities in Ramsey this month! 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