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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Joyce Peppin (R)

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Capitol Update

Friday, March 23, 2018

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.

In this Issue:

  • MNLARS
  • Supporting Law Enforcement
  • Community Events
  • Peppin’s MinnTriv

MNLARS

This week, the House and Senate passed compromise legislation that will provide $9.6 million to the Dayton Administration—funding they say they need immediately to begin fixing MNLARS, our broken auto licensing system. The funding will come from the Department of Vehicle Services operating accounts in their special revenue fund.

Taxpayers have already spent nearly $100 million on this program, and House Republicans refuse to continue throwing good money after bad to this project. That’s why we implemented a number of important oversight measures to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely going forward. For instance, the bill sets up a new MNLARS Steering Committee comprised of House and Senate Transportation Finance Chairs, Transportation Minority Leads, the House Ways and Means Chair, and the Senate Finance Chair, which will review regular progress reports and future appropriations to MNLARS. The bill also funds the Legislative Auditor to appoint an information technology auditor to actively monitor and report on the program’s development and implementation.

Minnesotans want a DMV system that works and accountability from those responsible in the Dayton Administration.

As always, if you have had problems with the MNLARS system, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.

Supporting Law Enforcement

This week, House Republicans advanced two measures in the Public Safety Committee that support the men and women in law enforcement who do so much to keep us safe.

The first bill, House File 3610, would increase the penalty for physical assault of a peace officer from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. The second bill, House File 4082, would prevent police disarmament by local agencies including mayors, city councils, county boards or chief law enforcement officers. This would not apply to a peace officer who is not in good standing or going through any disciplinary action.

Law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I think these are important policies we’re advancing this session.

Community Events

It’s Fish Fry Season!

The Mary Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus are hosting its last fish dinner tonight, 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.

Peppin’s MinnTriv

Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv Question. The question was: Name the first novel written by famous Minnesota novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald which was published in the spring of 1920. The answer was This Side of Paradise.

There were no correct responses last week.

The Twins have made a number of off season acquisitions that have their fans excited for the season to begin. Here is this week’s MinnTriv question:

In their entire 57-year history, the Twins have only had six pitchers who have struck out 15 or more batters in a game. Name the first two Twins pitchers to strike out 15 batters in a single game.

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