Dear neighbor,
What a week! On Tuesday, January 8th, I was officially sworn in for my first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I was joined by my husband, Rob, and some of our family members. I also had the chance to meet the families of many of my colleagues. I'm humbled and grateful for the opportunity to represent our community, and promise you that I will work every day to make sure District 57B is well represented in Saint Paul. Here are some updates from my first week in Saint Paul.
Legacy Committee
In the initial committee assignment recommendations, I had been placed on the Legacy Committee. I was disappointed that when the final committee assignments were released, I had been removed from that committee. The Minnesota Zoo, a vital part of our local economy, receives money from the Legacy Amendment passed by voters in 2008. The Legacy Committee is responsible for allocating that money. After meeting with Minority Leader Daudt, and relaying my desire to serve on the committee to Speaker Thissen, I was informed that I would placed back on the committee. I am grateful for the opportunity, and will work to be an advocate for the Minnesota Zoo on the Legacy Committee.
One Minnesota Conference
On Wednesday, January 9th, I attended the One Minnesota 2013 Legislative Policy Conference along with many of my colleagues from both the House and the Senate. This unique annual conference brings together State Representatives and Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, and this year we covered important topics such as our state budget, leadership, bipartisanship, K-12 education, health exchange, higher education, and economic development. I will take what I learned into this new legislative session, working together with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to get things done and make Minnesota a better place for all of us to live, work, and raise our families.
Minnesota Chamber
Also on Wednesday, January 9th, I attended the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Legislative Priorities event along with many of my colleagues from both the House and the Senate. The Minnesota Chamber covered many priorities that are important to the business community in our state, including education, health, taxes, energy, environment, and elections. The Minnesota Chamber emphasized that responsible reforms in these areas are critical to preparing the workforce of the future, growing more jobs for that workforce, and increasing Minnesota’s competitiveness in a global economy. I look forward to working on many of these initiatives to create a healthier business environment here in Minnesota.
Education Finance
Session is well underway, as I already had my first committee hearing for the Education Finance Committee on Thursday, January 10th. As we made introductions and shared our goals, it was clear that we have a diverse group of both rural and metro members with a broad range of experiences to bring to the table. It was also evident that we have some differing opinions, but we also have many common goals, such as closing the achievement gap and paying back the remainder of the school shift money. I am looking forward to working with Chairman Paul Marquart and the rest of the Education Finance Committee members to come to solutions that are best for all of our students across the state.
As always, I hope you will contact me with any questions or suggestions about legislation and issues at the Capitol. I also welcome your visits, whether in my office or at a committee hearing. I look forward to a spirited and eventful 2013 session, and seek your input, thoughts, and ideas about how we can solve the problems facing our state.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative
District 57B
225 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-4306