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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Abigail Whelan (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Abigail Whelan (5.11.18)

Friday, May 11, 2018

House Image

Photo from the Speaker’s Desk on the House Floor! Was a delight to receive a visit from constituents this week - Betty Field and Joe Field, and their guests - Dr. Ginger Wolgemuth; Jenny Maria Penafiel Utreras, a nurse from Ecuador; and Jenny's translator, Taylor Cronin.

 

Dear Neighbors,

Here is an update from your Capitol and around our community.

Ultrasound Bill Heads to Governor

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Answering questions about my legislation on the House Floor Thursday afternoon

On Thursday, the House passed my Women’s Right to Know bill which will empower women who are considering getting an abortion. The bill requires 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 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.

I believe this legislation is important for women, particularly those who are unsure on whether or not they want to get an abortion. It may help some women avoid regret, providing them with another piece of information that could impact their decision. One study from a 2014 Obstetrics and Gynecology journal analyzed 15,575 visits by women seeking abortion and found that among a small subset of women with low to medium decision certainty (7.4%, though many other factors may be at play), viewing their ultrasound was significantly associated with deciding to continue the pregnancy.

This same article suggests that “the clinical implications of this study are twofold; First, women should be offered the opportunity to voluntarily view their ultrasound images before abortion. However, because fewer than half of women select this option, mandatory viewing should be avoided.” I would like to note that is the exact place this legislation occupies –an offer to view, not a mandate to view– “and that health care providers should be sensitive to how patients react to their images, but avoid making assumptions about the effect of viewing on patient decision-making. Patients with low decisional certainty about the abortion decision may need more time and support in reaching a decision about whether abortion is the correct decision for them." (See more here).  

Another study in the United Kingdom noted that "[W]omen request to see their pre-abortion ultrasound images for their own individual reasons [to aid their decision making, as a right, or out of curiosity], which should be respected." (See more here).

While to some women it may not mean a lot, to some it could make a real difference. In committee and on the House floor, I encouraged members to read written testimony from two women who regretted their abortion and are now advocating that women are given the option of whether or not to view their ultrasound. Also, I think it important to note that many women, whether they go on to have an abortion or not, appreciate being asked the question of whether or not they would like to view their own ultrasound.

The bill also passed the Senate, and the next stop is Governor Dayton’s desk for signature. For more on this, see here.

Real ID Update

I wanted to share another important update about Real ID, as it was in the news again this week. Minnesota has received federal assurance that because Minnesota is on track to issue Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses later this year, we will be granted an extension. That means that a regular license will continue to be sufficient identification to board a domestic flight through October 1, 2020.

Earlier this session, we passed a law requiring the Dayton Administration to seek an extension for Real ID once it became available.

You can read more in a recent Star Tribune article here.

Highway Protest Bill Passes House

On Tuesday, the House passed a bipartisan bill to increase the penalty for those convicted of blocking access to highways, airports or public transit from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor.

With increased incidences over the past few years of protestors shutting down highways, airports and light rail, these protests can pose a substantial public safety risk. Notably, these actions are already illegal, but I think by increasing the consequences of blocking means of public transportation, it will provide a greater deterrent to stop actions like this in the future.

SF 2554

My colleague, Rep. Kathy Lohmer, authored an important bill that passed the House Floor Thursday. The bill broadens the information on human trafficking collected by the Department of Public Safety to include arrests, prosecutions, and convictions involving pornography and minors. The goal of the bill is to better identify the link between human trafficking and pornography, as we work to combat trafficking and the sexual exploitation of youth.

I am proud to be a co-author on this bill, and it passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

Hands Free Bill

This week, the Ways and Means Committee advanced the “Hands Free” bill which would ban handheld cell phone use when operating a motor vehicle. Distracted driving is a serious problem in Minnesota, and I think this bill adds to the discussion about how we can keep more drivers’ eyes on the road and off their phones.

There has been a lot of press around this bill and a strong push by advocates on this initiative. What do you think of the “Hands Free” bill? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Around the Community

Cops and Cones

On June 6, attend the 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 Dairy Queen on 424 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 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