Dear friends,
Here are some updates from this week at the Capitol:
Veterans Hiring Bill
On Monday, February 11th, I had the honor of introducing my first piece of legislation at a press conference at the Capitol. The bill is HF532, which would provide a tax credit for businesses who hire veterans. This bill is a win-win for Minnesota; it helps incentivize job creation for our state's unemployed servicemen and women, and it provides tax relief to businesses.
As of 2011, the unemployment rate for veterans who have served since 2001 was nearly 23%. That number is unacceptable, and we must do better. No piece of legislation can solve the problem entirely, but this is a step in the right direction, and I am immensely proud to have such widespread bipartisan support for this important piece of legislation. I was joined at the press conference by Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a number of veterans groups supporting the legislation, and Senator Chuck Wiger (DFL) who will carry the companion bill in the Senate.
I will be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the bill as it makes its way through the committee process, or you can follow the progress yourself by going to this link: http://bit.ly/Z3pdI9. The bill has been referred to the State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs Committee, where it awaits further action.
You can read more about the press conference here, here, and here.
ISD 196 School Visits
On Friday, February 15th, I visited Shannon Park Elementary School, Rosemount High School, Rosemount Middle School, and Rosemount Elementary School. We are blessed with outstanding schools in our district, and it was wonderful to meet some of the teachers and school staff that do great work educating our children day in and day out.
Constituent Visits
It was a busy week meeting with a number of groups and constituents in Saint Paul! A few of the highlights:
As always, if you or a group you're involved in would like to schedule a constituent meeting, please contact my office at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306.
Congratulations
Wishing many congratulations to the 11 National Merit Semifinalists selected to compete for scholarships awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Best of luck to these outstanding students! Read more about the semifinalists here.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B