Friends,
I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a relaxing and enjoyable holiday as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day next Wednesday, July 4. We are so privileged to live in a country that strives for liberty and equality for its citizens. I hope you can take the time to celebrate our great nation! I’d also like to thank the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces to fight for the freedoms we are so blessed to enjoy as Americans.
Local Students Visit Capitol
A group of District 196 ELL (English Language Learners) students visited the Capitol today to take a tour and learn about Minnesota state government. Reps. Laurie Halverson (DFL – Eagan), Regina Barr (R – Inver Grove Heights), and I enjoyed meeting with and answering questions from the students—they have such curious minds!
New Laws Take Effect July 1st
There are a handful of new laws that will take effect July 1, 2018. Among the topics addressed are: athletic trainers, claims against the state, and changes to a development fund.
Visit this link to learn more about some of the laws taking effect on Sunday: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0718nlrelease.pdf.
Music in Kelley Park
Every Friday evening this summer in Kelley Park in Apple Valley, there will be a free concert in the park! This fun concert series is sponsored by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation, Uponor, and Think Mutual Bank. For the full line-up of concerts and additional details, visit: http://avartsfoundation.org/events/
**NOTE: Tonight’s concert is cancelled due to the extreme heat**
Apple Valley Freedom Days
Bring your family out to enjoy the 52nd Anniversary Apple Valley Freedom Days celebration that started on Wednesday, June 27 and will continue through Wednesday, July 4. Details and a daily schedule are available at this link: http://www.avfreedomdays.com/
Mayor Hamann-Roland Honored
Congratulations to Apple Valley’s Mayor, Mary Hamann-Roland, who was given what the League of Minnesota Cities calls “the highest honor for elected officials”, the C.C. Ludwig Award. Established in 1962, the award is given annually in celebration of outstanding service. Recipients are chosen for their vision, statesmanship, and unwavering commitment to public good. Job well done, Mayor Mary!
Military Family Summer Promotion at the Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo will be open on July 4, so if you’re looking for some family fun on Independence Day, I encourage you to visit the Zoo. Additionally, from June 30 - July 8, military personnel will receive free admission, free parking, and half-price admission for family members at the Minnesota Zoo as a thank you for their service to our nation. I encourage all military families to take advantage of this promotion.
Open Your Heart Challenge
July is the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Food Shelf Challenge, a time for food pantries around the state to bolster their food shelves when food donations are low, and there is a high demand for support. To participate in this month’s challenge by supporting 360 Communities, visit this link.
Keep in Touch
There will be no update next week due to the Independence Day holiday.
Thank you to so many of you who have contacted my office! I deeply value all of your feedback. Thank you also for your patience as I work to respond to each of you. It is truly an honor to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Have a great weekend and Independence Day!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative District 57B