Friends,
It's been another busy week at the Capitol. This week was "first deadline" week, meaning that bills had to have all policy committee hearings by midnight last night in either the House or the Senate, and then their companion bills need to be heard in all policy committees in the other body by midnight on Thursday, March 29th to meet the "second deadline" in order to be viable this session. It is a busy and rewarding time as I do the work of representing our community in St. Paul!
DWI Bill Hearing
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Rep. Wills presenting HF 2766 in the Public Safety Committee with testifier Clay Kendhammer from Rosemount.
My bill, HF 2766, which would close a loophole in Minnesota's DWI laws, was heard in the Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, March 20th.
The bill changes the terminology from "hazardous substances" using the OSHA list as the definition, to "intoxicating substances" with a new definition of “a drug or chemical … that when introduced into the human body impairs the central nervous system or impairs the human audio, visual or mental processes.” The bill does not include alcohol or controlled substances, which have their own definitions in a different section of state law.
HF 2766 is supported by the Minnesota DWI Task Force, Minnesotans for Safe Driving, the Minnesota State Patrol Troopers Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and many other stakeholder groups.
You can read the non-partisan House Information Services story on my bill here. My bill was held over and amended into HF 3479 to be in line with the Senate's version, authored by Sen. Greg Clausen.
School Safety Proposal
My bill, HF 3599, raises the amount school districts and intermediate schools districts would be able to levy for school safety but does not set the specific amount that the levy would be raised at this time. Under current law, safe school funding can be levied equal to $36 per pupil for school districts and up to $15 per pupil for intermediate school districts. Resources that school districts can use these funds for include:
- drug abuse prevention
- crime prevention
- student and staff safety
- suicide prevention
- violence prevention
- licensed school counselors
- licensed school nurses
- licensed school social workers
- licensed school psychologists
- licensed alcohol and chemical dependency counselors
- facility security enhancements
- school resource officers (SRO's)
- and other safety measures
I presented this bill in committee on Wednesday, March 21st, along with my colleague, Rep. Barb Haley, who had a similar bill. It is very important to me that we provide resources to our schools to address school safety needs and I am hopeful that we can get this and other bills addressing this issue passed this session. Video of the presentation is available here.
More of My Bills in Committee
- HF 3934 - The bill would expand the existing military retirement pay income tax subtraction to include other types of military-related retirement pay. Veterans who are currently being disqualified from this tax benefit due to their military pension being rolled together with other pensions would at least be able to get a 50% tax subtraction. HF 3934 was heard in the Veterans Affairs Division on Monday, March 19th, and is scheduled for its next hearing in the Taxes Committee on Wednesday, March 28th.
- HF 3867 - The bill would allow for the sale of cars ten years or older that have value less than $4,000, rather than the current language of $3,000, to not be taxed at 6.5% but instead be charged a flat $10 tax. This would save Minnesotans money when they purchase a used, older, cheaper vehicle. This bill was heard in the Taxes Committee on Tuesday, March 20th, and is headed to the Transportation Finance Committee next.
Meals on Wheels
On April 15th, the Northwest Dakota County Meals on Wheels will be having their first ever fundraiser. This organization strictly serves homebound seniors in Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville and Savage and looks to our local community for support. In 2017, over 11,000 meals were served by this great group. The event will feature the music of Pop Art Live and take place at the Apple Valley American Legion.
I hope to be able to attend and you can follow these links for event information: TICKETS & EVENT INFORMATION
Meetings this Week
Rep. Wills met with constituent Cole of Wayne Trucking in Rosemount to discuss his legislative priorities for the trucking industry.
Rep. Wills with District 196 School of Environmental Studies students at the Capitol to discuss their legislative priorities regarding clean energy.
Rep. Wills with constituent Andy at the Capitol to discuss his legislative priorities including banking issues and special education funding.
Rep. Wills and constituents Dick & Matt met for Dental Day at the Capitol to discuss their legislative priorities.
Rep. Wills met with several constituents at the Capitol for MCCL Day to share their pro-life legislative priorities, including allowing women considering abortions to see their ultrasounds.
Rep. Wills, her son Solomon, and constituent JoAnn met to discuss her legislative priorities for the insurance business.
Rep. Wills with a number of constituents sharing their thoughts on the importance of the Legislature ratifying union contracts and passing legislation to fix pensions.
Rep. Wills with Jon Solberg of MnDOT at the Capitol to share an update on the upcoming road projects affecting the Rosemount and Apple Valley area, including Hwy 3: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy3invergrove/
Rep. Wills and constituent Katie discussed the legislative priorities of the Alzheimer Association, including addressing elder abuse in Minnesota.
Rep. Wills met with constituent Marta and others to discuss their positive experiences with Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America as well as Business Professionals of America.
Rep. Wills visited the Chaparral Group Home in Apple Valley to meet with residents and staff to discuss their legislative priorities for the disability community.
Keep in Touch
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. Stay up to date with what I am up to at the legislature and around our community by following my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B