With constituents who are in the nursing program at Bemidji State. It was a pleasure to meet with them!
Dear Neighbors,
The Legislature is back in session this week after the break for Easter/Passover. Here is an update from your Capitol and around our community.
Budget Targets
On Thursday, the House adopted supplemental budget targets (a spending increase or decrease for various areas of the budget, for details click here). Our focus is school safety, investing in roads and bridges, and meaningful tax relief.
Personally, I will continue to advocate for tax conformity and tax relief as well as funding for school safety improvements. With regards to other spending measures, I see merit in some of the suggested increases, but would like to see the state reduce spending in one area if we are to increase spending in another. Overall, I would like to see the state reduce spending and will advocate for this, though this is incredibly challenging in our current political climate.
With the third committee deadline approaching soon, committees will be using these targets to finalize their omnibus bills, and I will share more details in the coming weeks.
Real ID
Anoka County recently put out information about REAL ID (see page 15, Anoka County News Vol 1 - 2018). As supplemental information, I wanted to share a brief update of where we are with REAL ID.
With the recent MNLARS reform bill passed last month, we codified language into law requiring the governor's administration to seek an extension from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to move from the current extension of October 2018 to October 2020. (The governor had agreed to do this, but we wanted to ensure it was clear in law.)
Additionally, the REAL ID bill passed by the Legislature signed into law last year* requires DPS to begin issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses by October 1 of this year. The Department of Homeland Security is expected to grant an extension as long as we are on track toward full implementation and issuing REAL IDs to Minnesotans who want them.
We are fully expecting that to happen, and the state is on track with implementation.
*I opposed this law, however, I am pleased the law we passed allows individuals the option of a REAL ID compliant license or a non-REAL ID compliant license. For more on your options for travel etc., I encourage you to see the summary from Anoka County on the various forms of ID that are/will be available.
A Quick Correction
In my last update from March 29, in the section on School Safety, I mentioned suicide prevention funding. The update noted our plan funds “suicide prevention training for teachers and staff,” however, I wanted to share a small technical correction that the program actually only applies to educators, and not necessarily staff.
Current law requires teachers to have suicide prevention as part of their continuing education for licensure renewal. This funding pays for a specific program that would help teachers meet that requirement. Apologies on any confusion.
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.
2018 Bike Helmet Clinics
Safe Kids Anoka County is offering bike helmet fitting clinics this spring. The next one is 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.
Anoka County Library
The Anoka County Library has a number of events going on every day for families and kids of all ages, including family story time, read to a dog, LEGO building, and more. You can check out the full calendar of events at anokacountylibrary.org.
Anoka County Senior Expo
The Anoka County Senior Expo is Saturday, May 12 from 9 AM to Noon at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey. There will be a free pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, memory screenings, information booths, and more. If you have questions, call Mary at 763-760-3699.
Senior Volunteering
Are you 55 or over and looking to make a difference in our community? Consider joining Anoka County’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program where they match you with non-profits based on your skills and interests. To find out more about the program and how to enroll, visit anokacounty.us/rsvp.
Anoka Diva Days
Anoka Diva Days runs May 3-5 in historic downtown Anoka. There will be giveaways, shopping, and special events at many local boutiques and restaurants. There will also be a scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. You can learn more here.
Anoka Classic Car Show
The 2018 Anoka Classic Car Show begins on May 19, and will take place Saturdays from 5:00 PM through dusk throughout the summer in downtown Anoka. Get all the details 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