Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- New Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and Respect
- Bringing Tax Savings to Minnesota Ratepayers
- Listening Sessions
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
New Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and Respect
On Wednesday, Speaker Daudt and I announced the establishment of a new Subcommittee on Workplace Safety & Respect which I will chair. After recent stories about harassment at the Capitol, we want to ensure that the House is a safe and respectful workplace for members, staff, lobbyists and the public.
Discrimination and harassment have no place in the House, and this bipartisan subcommittee will examine and recommend any necessary policy changes. Creating a subcommittee allows this process to be transparent and inclusive so we can engage the public, and objective employment law professionals and other experts in the development of any needed changes to rules or policy.
Bringing Tax Savings to Minnesota Ratepayers
This week, some House Republican members shared that they will introduce legislation this session in an effort to lower electric and natural gas rates for customers across Minnesota.
Because of the federal tax reform bill, utilities are expected to see significant savings—more than $200 million annually in our state, which this proposal would return to ratepayers in full. If signed into law, the bill would lower rates for consumers that would be retroactive from January 1, putting more money back in the pockets of Minnesotans. It would also benefit larger users like local schools and businesses.
The bill would apply to utilities that are investor-owned and regulated by the Public Utilities Commission including Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, CenterPoint Energy and others.
Listening Sessions
Thank you to everyone who attended the Maple Grove Listening Session last weekend! I appreciate you coming out to share your input and ideas for the 2018 legislative session.
If you weren’t able to come to Maple Grove, please know that Sen. Limmer and I will be hosting two more listening sessions next week. The Dayton Listening Session is on Tuesday, February 13 from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Dayton Senior Center (18641 Dayton Street), and the Rogers Listening Session is on Thursday, February 15 from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Rogers Community Room in the North Room (21201 Memorial Drive).
I hope to see you there!
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv Question. Here is last week’s question: Minnesotans are excited about Super Bowl LII this weekend, but when was the last Super Bowl played in Minnesota and who won the game? The answer was 1992 and the Washington Redskins.
Congratulations to Tom Pollock from Maple Grove who was last week’s winner.
Here is this week’s question:
This 1979 disco-hit was written by a Minneapolis-based group about their dream to head to New York City.
The FOURTH correct response will be featured in the next email update.
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A