Friends,
I am sure that one day we will actually get some "Spring Weather." However, it does not look like it will be this weekend. Stay safe on the roads out there!
Zoo Day at the Capitol!
It was Zoo Day at the Capitol this Thursday. Minnesota Zoo staff and volunteers were there with a number of animals from their Zoomobile collection. Zoo Day at the Capitol is a great opportunity to learn more about the Zoo and its education and conservation programs, as well as its new outreach and access initiative, Zoo Unlimited, developed to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to the Minnesota Zoo. Here's a quick video from this year's Zoo Day at the Capitol.
Supplemental Budget Targets Announced
On Thursday, we announced targets for budget adjustments building on our historic accomplishments of the 2017 Legislative Session. These 2018 budget adjustments continue our strong commitment to Minnesota families through tax relief, roads and bridges, and school safety.
We are proposing to dedicate the largest portion of the budget surplus toward simplifying Minnesota’s tax code to fully benefit from recent federal tax reform and provide additional tax relief to Minnesotans. With state government fully funded from last year’s two-year budget, investments this Session will focus on common-sense issues like fixing roads and bridges and improving student safety at our schools. We are also finding savings through ensuring greater efficiencies in state government spending.
We also intend to return $75 million of unspent funds from the 2017 Premium Rebate Program to the budget reserve to protect Minnesota’s fiscal integrity, rather than spending those tax dollars like Governor Dayton is proposing.
These budget targets were adopted in the Ways and Means Committee Thursday night, April 12th.
Tax Freedom Day
The Tax Foundation calculates "Tax Freedom Day" for America as a whole, while also listing a state-by-state breakdown. This year Tax Freedom Day falls on April 19th, and Minnesota's day is April 27th. Click on the map below for more information.
Olympic Gold Medalist Comes to the Capitol!
This Thursday, April 12th, we welcomed Afton-native and USA Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggin to the Capitol and honored her with a House Resolution. Her story is a great testament to following your dreams and hard work paying off! Congrats again, Jessie! Click on the video here or below to see the proclamation read on the House Floor.
Meetings this Week
Rep. Wills met with constituent Linda to discuss her support for funding the Broadband Development Grant program.
Rep. Wills visited with Sifang, Ling, and Xiaoling to discuss their concerns with racial data disaggregation.
Rep. Wills with constituents Rebecca, Carol, and Tamara discussing Howling for Wolves legislative priorities.
Rep. Wills and constituent Larry met to discuss his legislative priorities regarding safe salting liability and regulatory reform in the plumbing industry.
Rep. Wills met with constituent Gregg to discuss the Convention of States proposal.
Rep. Wills met with constituent Addie during U of M Day at the Capitol to discuss her legislative priorities.
Rep. Wills with Mike and John for Carpenters Day at the Capitol discussing a variety of issues.
Rep. Wills met with April and constituent Michelle to hear their support for bills to address Dyslexia.
Rep. Wills with constituent Makayla at the Capitol to discuss her support of Rep. Wills' bill to increase funding for the Safe Schools Levy.
Rep. Wills met with social workers Hibo, Nuney, Jack, and Essowe to discuss youth homelessness.
Meals on Wheels
On Sunday, April 15th, the Northwest Dakota County Meals on Wheels will be having their first ever fundraiser. This organization 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 plan to attend and you can follow this link to learn more and register if you would like to attend as well.
Rosemount Band Garage Sale
The Rosemount High School Band will be collecting gently used goods starting this Saturday, April 14th, through Wednesday, April 18th, in preparation for their Mega Garage Sale next weekend. The Sale will take place Friday, April 20th, 4-8 PM and Saturday, April 21st, 7 AM to 4 PM, in the Rosemount High School Student Center.
Rosemount Legion Pancake Breakfast
Rosemount American Legion Post 65 is hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 9:00 AM to Noon on Saturday, April 21st. It's $7.00 to attend, call 651-423-3380 for more information.
Apple Valley Home & Garden Expo
On Saturday, April 21st, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the 2018 Apple Valley Home & Garden Expo will take place at Eastview High School. I will be volunteering as a greeter from 10-11 AM and look forward to seeing everyone there!
Rosemount State of the City Address
Rosemount Mayor Bill Droste will give his State of the City Address on Thursday, April 26th, at 7:30 AM at the Rosemount Community Center. On a personal note, I would like to pass along my deepest condolences to Mayor Droste on the recent passing of his dear wife, Carol. My thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Droste and his loved ones during this difficult time.
District 196 Legislative Advisory Council Openings
The District 196 Legislative Advisory Council has openings for citizens and is accepting applications through May 11th for four at-large citizen positions. The purpose of the Legislative Advisory Council is to increase citizen participation in the legislative process and how they impact District 196. The council provides input on and advocate for the district's legislative priorities. Applications are available at www.District196.org or by calling 651-423-7775.
Keep in Touch
Thank you to so many of you who have contacted my office so far this Session! I receive hundreds of emails weekly and value all of your feedback. Thank you also for your patience as I work to respond to each of you.
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