Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol and around our community.
House File 3194
I was honored to work with Andrea Rau from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) on a key bill moving forward this session to require a physician to notify women that are undergoing an ultrasound prior to an abortion procedure that she may view the active ultrasound image of her unborn child - if she would like to (the woman may also turn down the opportunity to view). We know physicians will often perform an ultrasound to determine things like gestational age, and where the baby is situated in the mother's uterus.
While we know some women do not regret their abortions, some do. I believe this legislation may help some women avoid regret because it provides women with another piece of information that could impact their decision. The information this legislation offers is a picture, and as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words. While to some women it may not mean a lot, to some it could make a real difference.
Indeed, the intent of this bill is to empower women with information, so they can make the decision that they believe is best for them. There is much data showing women with low-to-medium decision certainty (that is, how sure they are of whether or not to have an abortion) are slightly less likely to continue to abortion when they view their ultrasound than for women who are uncertain but do not view their ultrasound. Conversely women with high decision certainty do not tend to change their mind after viewing their ultrasound, BUT: They still appreciate being offered the opportunity to see their ultrasound.
I believe this is the case because being asked the simple question, "Would you like to see your ultrasound?" empowers women by giving them the ability to choose for themselves whether they want to see their ultrasound. That makes this policy, in my view, truly women-centered.
You can read more about my bill in a House Public Information story here.
My bill passed the Health and Human Services Reform Committee on Tuesday, and was sent to the House Floor. I will keep you updated.
House File 1719
Testifying in the Public Safety Committee on House File 1719, the bill's final committee stop in the House.
As mentioned in previous updates, I am working on a bill to bring some needed changes to our family law statutes. It addresses an issue that was brought to me by a constituent of mine (pictured above). Because of a conflict under existing statutes regarding when someone may bring an action to challenge an existing recognition of paternity (ROP), this constituent had an incredibly challenging time finding a lawyer to help him with a custody issue he was facing.
This bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Public Safety Omnibus bill.
University of Minnesota Regents Reform Bill
The House Higher Education Committee heard a few different pieces of legislation on how to reform the regent selection process at the University of Minnesota, one of which I am authoring.
As an alumnus, I want to ensure we are stewarding this beloved institution well, which also receives over a billion dollars each biennium from Minnesota taxpayers. One of the main ways the Legislature is able to help steward the University is via Regent election. Yet in 1986, an independent study group on the Regent selection process was established to address the perception that “political partisanship is the main qualification for Regents.”
The outcome of the study was to establish the Regent Candidate Advisory Council (RCAC), made up of (what was hoped to be) less partisan individuals to assist legislators by recruiting and recommending qualified candidates. Yet overtime, a perception has grown that the RCAC itself has a particular partisan leaning (though this is debatable). Furthermore, though the council has produced some good candidates, it has also worked against some good candidates--specifically a recent Regent candidate (and now Regent) who was overly and unfairly scrutinized (see: https://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/sreview/regentcandidates.pdf).
My bipartisan bill would instead create a new Regent selection joint subcommittee to recruit and recommend candidates for at-large regent positions, as well as establish congressional district legislative delegations to recommend candidates for district positions. The subcommittee would be comprised of members of the Higher Education committees in the House and Senate, with each party having an equal number. Indeed while on some level a perception of political motives for choosing Regents is, I think, unavoidable-not only because the Legislature elects them, but also because serving as a Regent is an important and prestigious position. I think having an equal number of Democrats and Republicans on the subcommittee should help address that perception.
You can read a story that House Public Information did on Regent selection reform here.
Supporting the Men and Women Who Keep Us Safe
This week in the Public Safety Committee, legislators heard two bills that stand up for Minnesota law enforcement.
The first bill, House File 3610 authored by Chair Brian Johnson, would change physical assault of a peace officer from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. The second bill authored by Rep. Matt Grossell would prevent police disarmament by local agencies like city or county governments.
The work that peace officers do to protect our communities is so important, and I think this legislation is commonsense way to support the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement.
MNLARS Update
I know that many of my previous updates have included information on our troubled licensing system, MNLARS. On Thursday I voted in support of legislation that the House and Senate came to an agreement on through a conference committee that will provide the first funding for fixes. The bill sets up important oversight measures to ensure tax dollars are being spent wisely. There is also a policy in the bill requiring a request for information to determine whether a private vendor is a better option that MN.IT.
I am pleased by the oversight measures, and hopeful that with these changes Minnesotans will soon have a DMV system that works.
Around the Community
Ramsey Parks and Recreation
There are plenty of fun activities in Ramsey this month! Check out the Ramsey Parks and Recreation event calendar here for more information.
Anoka County Home Landscaping & Garden Fair
As we slowly but surely head into spring, why not check out the Anoka County Home Landscaping & Garden Fair? This annual event includes classes led by talented master gardeners, exhibitors and more. It takes place on Saturday, April 7 from 8:20 AM to 3:30 PM at Bunker Hills Activities Center in Ham Lake. You can learn more including how to register here.
Annual Ramsey EDA Business Expo
Mark your calendars for the 10th annual Ramsey EDA Business Expo on Saturday, March 31 from 10 AM-2 PM at the Fountains of Ramsey. Get all of the details on this great event that features local businesses here.
2018 Bike Helmet Clinics
Safe Kids Anoka County is offering bike helmet fitting clinics this spring including one at Blaine City Hall on April 14 from 9 AM-Noon, and one on April 24 at the Anoka Police Department from 4 PM-7PM. Check out all of the details here.
Anoka Spring Recycling Event
8 AM to Noon on Saturday, April 28, Anoka is hosting its spring recycling event at 501 Pierce Street. There is free recycling for a number of things including appliances, batteries, bikes, scrap metal and more. There is also a fee for some items like electronics, mattresses, and tires. Check out more about the event here.
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Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you and it is a joy! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Abigail