Dear Friends,
We received some welcomed good news last week as the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced more signs of improvement for Minnesota's economy. The state added more than 9,000 new jobs last month, and exceeded the projected revenue forecast by $114 million dollars. Minnesota created over 50,000 new jobs in 2012, and new business filings are up 18%. The unemployment rate now stands at 5.5%, the lowest since 2008. The results send a clear message: Minnesota's economy is making a comeback thanks to job friendly,pro-growth policies enacted by the Republican legislature the last two years.
I believe that our discussions about the budget this session should be about how to build on these successes, and continue to grow Minnesota's economy. I'm concerned how tax increases being proposed by the new DFL majorities would affect Minnesota's economy. I look forward to your feedback as I continue to advocate for policies that help grow our economy and jobs.
Some other items from this week in Saint Paul:
Education Priorities
The Minnesota Department of Education held a dinner for local legislators on Monday, January 14th,where we heard about their legislative priorities for the upcoming session.Among the topics discussed were all-day kindergarten and improving the teacher evaluation law that was passed into law in 2011. As a member of the Education Finance and Education Policy committees, I will continue discussing these issues among local educators, my colleagues, and constituents as we work to improve our schools for all of our children. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these important issues.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
On Wednesday, January 16th, I attended the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs meet and greet for legislators and had the chance to meet several wonderful men and women who have served our country. As a member of the State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs committee, I am proud to advocate for our veterans and was encouraged to learn about many resources available to our veterans here in Minnesota.The MN Dept of Veterans Affairs assists Minnesota’s 381,000 veterans and their dependents to obtain the benefits and services provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, formerly called the Veterans Administration.
For more information on state and county resources available for veterans, please visit:
Dakota County Veterans Services
651-554-5601
Veterans Linkage Line
1-888-546-5838
minnesotaveteran.org
Chandelier Raising and Lighting Ceremony
On Thursday, January 17th, the State Capitol chandelier, six-foot in diameter, was lifted back into the rotunda and lit for after being down for over two years. The one-ton chandelier, with 40,000 crystal beads, had been down for cleaning and repairs for the first time in 30 years. Here is a picture from the ceremony:
If you haven't already, please take a moment to "like" my new official legislative Facebook page found here: http://www.facebook.com/repannawills.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, 57B
Serving Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Coates