With Weston Winker from Maple Grove, Nate Mickelsen from Minneapolis and Jesus Naarcos from Minneapolis who were at the Capitol for Minnesota Restaurant Association Day on the Hill.
It was Builders Association of the Twin Cities Day on the Hill this week. Picture includes constituent Dan Bowman (left of me in photo). Thanks for coming to St. Paul!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- Medical Assistance Work Requirement Bill
- MN.IT Reform
- State of the State Address
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Medical Assistance Work Requirement Bill
This week, House Republicans unveiled a new bill that will help bolster Minnesota’s workforce and lift more people out of poverty by implementing work or job training requirements for able-bodied adults on Medical Assistance (MA). Our goal with this commonsense bill is to ensure that those truly in need of the program continue to have access, and to help more Minnesotans get good-paying jobs and succeed in our growing economy.
It is important to note we are exempting a number of people from this bill including a child’s sole caregiver, seniors or anyone with a disability, certain medical diagnoses, addictions, or other barriers to employment. We understand some people have physical or mental health related conditions for which employment is not an option. For those who do not have such conditions, and are not working, this bill will serve as a “hand up,” not a “hand out” and help all Minnesotans.
Our economy is booming, and there are countless employment opportunities, community service programs and job training programs that can be accessed, not to mention more job openings than workers. I think it’s commonsense that those who are able to work should, allowing everyone to benefit from a strong economic recovery.
MA is a program that has grown significantly under the Dayton Administration, and this will help give thousands of Minnesotans a better opportunity to get off public programs and acquire the skills they need to succeed.
MN.IT Reform Bill
We all know that the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) has been a disaster, and that’s why House Republicans have advanced a proposal to reform our state’s information technology agency, MN.IT. The bill would require MN.IT to search for commercially-viable solutions for our state’s technology needs before creating any software themselves.
I think this bill is desperately needed after we’ve seen our state struggle with software programs like MNLARS and MNsure. This has the potential to save taxpayers money and hopefully prevent more disastrous IT rollouts going forward.
State of the State
On Wednesday evening, Governor Dayton delivered his final State of the State Address in the House Chamber. I was happy to host Bret Weiss, whose firm performs engineering and planning work for the city of Rogers, as my guest.
Governor Dayton laid out his priorities for the 2018 legislative session, and there are a number of common goals he shares with the Republican-led House and Senate.
The state of our state is strong thanks in larger part to Republican-led initiatives in the Legislature including meaningful tax relief, and investments in education and transportation infrastructure.
I think we all share the priority of making our great state even better and working in the best interest of Minnesotans. I look forward to continue working with lawmakers and the governor this session on those shared priorities.
Community Events
Winter and Spring Theatre Productions
There’s still time to see students from Maple Grove Middle School performing a Mystery Double Feature with “Young Sherlock Holmes” and “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery” being shown through Saturday, March 17. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students and can be purchased at the door.
It’s Fish Fry Season!
The Rogers Lions are hosting fish and shrimp fry on Friday March 16 (today) from 5-8 p.m. at the Rogers Community Room, 21201 Memorial Drive in Rogers. Menu includes fish, shrimp, fries, baked potato and macaroni and cheese. Cash bar and family friendly beverages also available. Price is $13 for adults and $6 for kids 10 and under.
The Mary Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus are hosting a fish dinner on Friday, March 23. Menu includes baked or deep fried fish, macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls, cookies and beverages. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under and $2 for under age 5. Dinner will be served from 5-7 p.m. at the church located at 21304 Church Avenue in downtown Rogers.
B-I-N-G-O on Sunday!
Join your neighbors on Sunday, March 18 for a friendly game of bingo. Hosted by the Mary Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus, the fun starts at 1:00 p.m. in the church basement located at 21304 Church Avenue in Rogers.
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv Question. This famous children’s author spent a period of her life in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. The answer is Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Congratulations to Steven Stensrud from Loretto, who is last week’s winner.
Here is this week’s question:
Name the first novel written by famous Minnesota novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald which was published in the spring of 1920.
The THIRD 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