Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from your Capitol and around our community.
Tax Conformity Update
On Monday, our Tax Conformity bill moved forward in the House, passing with bipartisan support. The bill will help simplify our tax code, and bring our state tax code in line with the federal tax overhaul passed by Congress late last year.
In all, the bill will provide more than 2.1 million Minnesota filers with tax relief next year, and also includes a number of changes I championed to simplify our overly complex property tax system.
The next step is now to find agreement on a final tax bill with the Senate and Governor Dayton. I hope that my property tax reforms remain in the final version of our tax plan, and that the final version ensures hardworking Minnesota taxpayers can take full advantage of state and federal tax relief. I will keep you updated.
Supplemental Budget Adjustment Bills
This week was very busy in the House, as we passed the remainder of our supplemental bills in the areas of Agriculture, Environment, Jobs, State Government, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and Public Safety. From significant Met Council reform to transportation investments to tackling health care costs, I believe the bills we passed are focused on policies that will positively benefit Minnesotans.
Highlights in the bills passed this week include:
- Providing $385 million for transportation needs this year, using surplus funds leveraged with trunk highway bonds to repair and improve our roads and bridges
- Addressing vulnerable adult abuse and neglect, strengthening the tools the state can use against perpetrators of abuse and holding state agencies accountable for their shortcomings on maltreatment investigations
- Strengthening penalties for those who assault a peace officer, protestors who illegally obstruct roadways and transit, and for sex offenders, including those who possess or disseminate child pornography
- Funding three new veterans homes in Minnesota with excess Stadium Reserve Funds
- Cutting the MNsure tax on health plans to help lower health care costs for Minnesotans
- Combating the opioid epidemic
- Reinstating the 7 percent reduction to the Disability Waiver Rate System
- Implementing reforms to reduce potential fraud and waste in our public health care system
- Requiring state agencies to spend 3.5 percent of their IT budget to support state cybersecurity
- Implementing Met Council reforms that would add elected officials to the Council and stagger their terms, as well as eliminate the Transportation Advisory Board (Met Council reform is also something being worked on at the federal level; for more see this Star Tribune article from May 3rd)
- Strengthening DWI laws, including closing loopholes regarding the operation of a snowmobile or ATV for those who have been convicted of a DWI
I think we have successfully advanced measures that are priorities for Minnesotans, and I am hopeful that many of our provisions and policies remain as we work out final bills in conference committees with the Senate and in negotiations with Governor Dayton before we adjourn later this month.
Bonding Bill Unveiled
On Wednesday, the House unveiled an $825 million Capital Investment (bonding) bill that focuses heavily on infrastructure needs in our state. More than two-thirds of the funding is dedicated toward “brick-and-mortar” projects, including nearly $364 million for asset preservation of state-owned buildings, $120 million for road and transportation infrastructure, and $153 million for water and conservation projects.
Notably, $6.75 million is also included for the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC). The funds will go toward improvements for their roof and HVAC system, which I believe are sorely needed.
I think overall the bill maintains a balanced approach, and I do support the provision for AMRTC. However, I am opposed to some projects in the bill. As with all omnibus bills, I weigh the pros and cons. At this time, I lean more toward being in favor of the bill, though I am not certain I would support what emerges from conference committee.
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts, I would be happy to hear from you on this issue.
For more about the Bonding bill, go here.
National Day of Prayer
Thursday was the National Day of Prayer. As President Trump noted on that day, "Prayer has always been at the center of the American life.” (See: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-observes-national-day-of-prayer-at-white-house-live-stream/.) Indeed, our nation has a strong history of promoting prayer. President George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson all used the office they held as President to promote days of national thanksgiving and prayer, as well as days of prayer and fasting. (For more, see: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091; http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=65661; https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-03-02-0187.)
This year, the theme for the National Day of Prayer was unity (based on Ephesians 4:3). As I pondered this, it felt incredibly fitting, for in today’s political climate we seem to increasingly focus on areas of division rather than unity. I hope and pray we all are able to find and focus on more areas of commonality, working together for the good of our communities at every level, and that we become more unified as a country.
Around the Community
Cops and Cones
On May 9, attend the first Anoka Police Department Cops and Cones event. Stop by and say hi to members of our local police department, and enjoy some ice cream too. The event runs from 5-7 PM at the Culver’s on 800 West Main Street. Learn more here.
Jam by the Dam
Come support K-12 music education at the Jam by the Dam event on Saturday, June 2 which includes an all-day outdoor concert in Downtown Anoka with food trucks, beer and more. See the full band lineup and learn more here.
2018 Concerts in the Park
Sunday evenings starting in June, come enjoy some great music with the weekly Concert in the Park. The concerts start at 7 PM in George Green Park in Anoka. See the full schedule and get more details here.
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 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