Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol and around our community.
Student Safety Package
Today, House Republicans unveiled a major legislative package that provides $50 million in increased funding to help keep our students and schools safe.
An Associated Press article on the initiatives notes that "[T]he new funding would let schools use the money how they see fit for school resource officers, security cameras, threat assessments and more." Indeed, the package was crafted to allow school districts more flexibility to best meet the unique needs of their individual schools. For example, a school with a school resource officer may want to hire another school resource officer, or may choose to use the increased funding for security cameras. Schools may also use the funds for security upgrades like limited access entryways or emergency communication systems, or to hire additional school counselors or other mental health professionals to improve access and outcomes for kids who may be in crisis.
Some of the key ideas in our proposal: Increased Safe Schools revenue, more money for school-linked mental health grants, expanding the scope of uses for Facilities Maintenance Revenue, providing grants for physical security audits, providing for suicide prevention training for teachers, and establishing school-based threat assessment teams. For more details on our proposal see the following press release.
The safety of Minnesota kids comes first, and this is an important initiative for our students and schools we are working on this session.
Sex Trafficking Prevention Training Bill Update
Today my bipartisan legislation that will ensure that Minnesotans working in hotels and motels are trained to recognize potential victims of sex trafficking was heard and passed out of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. It will be sent to the General Register, where all members of the Minnesota House will have a chance to vote on it.
Shown above from left to right, Dan McElroy, Executive Vice of the Minnesota Hotel and Lodging Association; Beatriz Menanteau, JD Supervisor, Violence Prevention Programs Unit Injury & Violence Prevention Section Minnesota Department of Health; Beth Holger-Ambrose, Executive Director for The Link; me; Representative Dave Pinto; Lori Paul, Communications and Development Specialist at Breaking Free; Cory Biladeau, Innkeeper, Owners and Operators of Corban Manor Inn; Erik Fadden, Proactive Policing Sergeant, Special Investigations Unit, Plymouth Police Dept.
As the photo above shows, a variety of sectors have come together on this legislation, in agreement that we should act on this. As mentioned in a past email this is a truly collaborative effort, and I am humbled by the support the bill has received. Indeed, a special thank you to my DFL-colleague Rep. Dave Pinto for his work and support on this bill. He is an expert in this arena, and with his help I am hopeful we will be able to garner unanimous support in the House for the bill.
I think this is a commonsense provision that will help hotel employees better recognize signs of trafficking, and it could potentially save the lives of many victims. I hope we can get it signed into law this year.
Happy Easter!
I want to take a moment as we head into a long holiday weekend to wish you and your family a wonderful Passover and Easter. As Jews commemorate Israel's exodus from Egypt and Christians commemorate the death and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, I hope we all take time to rest and enjoy our family and friends.
Indeed I hope you all are able to enjoy a fantastic holiday weekend filled with cherished time with loved ones, delicious food and maybe some fun local activities like Easter Egg hunts! And on that note, if you’re looking for some fun, family-friendly Easter activities this weekend in the metro including egg hunts and bunny sightings, click here.
There is also an interesting article talking more about the history and connection of Easter and Passover, which you can read here: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/easter-and-passover/
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