Friends,
With a little over a week until the 2018 Legislative Session starts, I have been attending legislative preview events and preparing for the Session. Below are highlights of events I attended this week as well as details on the upcoming Legislative Listening Session you may want to attend, plus some information on other happenings at the Capitol:
MNLARS Update
When the MNLARS system failed, the Dayton administration insisted for weeks that problems were being overblown and things would be quickly corrected. However, the Department of Public Safety is now asking for an additional $43 million on top of almost $100 million already spent over the past 10 years to correct the problem. This is an unrealistic request and Minnesota taxpayers should not be saddled with the bill to clean up the mess. We must determine who is responsible and make sure they are held accountable so this does not happen again.
If you have had or encounter a problem with the MNLARS system, such as difficulty renewing your vehicle tabs, please use this form to let us know what is going on. We are working with DPS to resolve issues and help fix the system.
Addressing the Problem of Sexual Harassment at the Capitol
In the wake of some sexual harassment issues that came to light over the last several months, we have created a new subcommittee to deal with these issues. The Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and Respect will be chaired by Majority Leader Joyce Peppin and comprised of members of both parties. This is a welcomed development and I am glad we are taking the issue of workplace safety seriously.
In addition to the formation of this subcommittee, every member of the House will take part in an all-day mandatory sexual harassment training the day after we begin the 2018 session. I am confident these actions will help make the Capitol a place where everyone can feel safe and respected at work.
MLC Legislative Breakfast
On Wednesday morning, February 7th, I attended the Municipal Legislative Commission Breakfast at the Eagan Community Center. I joined many of my colleagues to discuss the legislative priorities for suburban cities in our area, including the city of Apple Valley which I represent.
District 196 Legislative Forum
Also on Wednesday, I participated in the District 196 Legislative Forum hosted by East Lake Elementary School. Superintendent Jane Berenz, school board members, Legislative Advisory Council members, along with several of my colleagues and I, had a great dialogue about our legislative priorities. And it was great to see the students put on a musical performance for us in the library!
ARC Legislative Visit
Later that day, on Wednesday evening, I took part in a great discussion with parents, advocates, District 196, and elected officials about disability issues at the ARC Legislative Visit hosted by Lifeworks in Apple Valley. It is extremely helpful to get first-hand accounts from those that deal with disability issues on a daily basis to inform the decisions I make on their behalf at the Capitol. As a former Personal Care Attendant to individuals with special needs, these issues are near and dear to my heart.
Senate District 57 Legislative Listening Session
On Saturday, February 17th, I will be participating in a Legislative Listening Session with Senator Greg Clausen and Rep. Erin Maye Quade. It will be at Falcon Ridge Middle School from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to share YOUR priorities and feedback with all of us. More details and RSVP on Facebook here. I hope you can make it!
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 final days before the 2018 Session starts on February 20th. Simply use the same contact information for my office below, and we will find a time and place to meet in our community, or we can meet at my office in St. Paul as well. I'd also like to have you join me in welcoming my new legislative assistant, Austin Parrish, to my office!
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.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the 2018 Winter Olympics! Click here for video clips from the Opening Ceremony.
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B