Friends,
With yesterday bring the first official day of summer and last weekend Father's Day, it's time to get out and enjoy the few great months of warm weather we have in Minnesota! I had a great time on the golf course with my kids for Fathers Day, no comment on if they let me win this round.
Rep. Smith and his two kids playing golf on Father's Day.
Housing Leadership Award
I was recently honored with a 2018 Housing Leadership Award for my work during the 2018 Legislative Session. The award recognizes legislators for their efforts throughout the 2018 legislative session to promote homeownership at a price that families can afford.
I am proud to be a strong advocate for making the dream of homeownership a reality for more Minnesotans. I authored a bill to aid home ownership for middle-class Minnesotans by removing barriers that were stifling construction of new condos and townhouses. These reforms are already showing results in the increased construction of both condos and townhomes across Minnesota.
Minnesota Lawyer's Capitol Retort
Once again this month I was invited to take place in a political roundtable discussion put on by Minnesota Lawyer. One of the questions had to do with the recent Supreme Court ruling against Minnesota's ban on political attire at polling places. Here is that excerpt:
Question 1: The Minnesota Voters Alliance’s victory at the US Supreme Court struck down the law that tells election judges how to deal with campaigns and political slogans – potentially even intimidating messages – on apparel worn in the voting place. No special session is likely this year. So how worried are you that Minnesota Nice might not prevail on Election Day?
Dennis Smith, GOP House member, attorney: I am not worried about that. Minnesotans have a long history of acting appropriately and respecting the rules around the polling booths.
Summer Fun
- From outdoor concerts to "Movies at Sunset" beginning in July, there is a ton going on in our community. Check out a full summer schedule here.
- Maple Grove's Outdoor Farmers Market is now open for the season. Go and check it out at the Community Center!
June Town Hall Next Saturday
Next Saturday, June 30th, I will be hosting my monthly town hall meeting. It will be at the Maple Grove Community Center at 9:00 AM. These are always great events, I hope you can stop on by!
Maple Grove Days Volunteer Opportunities
Over 300 volunteers come together to help make Maple Grove Days a great event every year. Maple Grove Days, presented by Maple Grove Community Organization, will be held Wednesday, July 11th to Sunday, July 15th, around the city.
If anyone, a family, church group, or business are looking for opportunities to volunteer this year or for full event details, visit the website to view all available opportunities and sign-up online: www.mgco.org. People can also email volunteermgdays@aol.com with volunteer questions or call the MGCO message line at 763-494-5985.
Maple Grove Days Button
Maple Grove Days Buttons are now on sale and can be purchased from Ambassador Candidates and at the Community Center. Each button comes with a "Button of Savings" sheet with many discounts and special offers at local businesses. It also saves people $2 on a ticket for the Ambassador Coronation held on the evening of July 13 at the Maple Grove High School. A button is also required to win the cash prize of $500 in the annual Medallion Hunt.
See the latest medallion hunt clue here.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. If you are going to be at or around the Capitol, please stop by or schedule a meeting. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis