Dear Friends,
Tomorrow, Tuesday February 4th, is precinct caucus night in Minnesota. Precinct caucus night is when neighbors from all political persuasions gather in schools, church basements, and other locations to debate and discuss platform issues for their respective political parties, elect delegates and alternates for future district and county conventions, and take the first steps toward endorsing candidates for elected office.
It's your chance to make your voice heard, and have a direct impact on the future and direction of your respective political party.
If you are passionate about a certain issue, precinct caucuses are the first step toward possibly amending a party platform. If you support a candidate for office, you can demonstrate your support for that candidate by showing up. Maybe you just want to gather with like-minded neighbors and see what the caucus process is all about. No matter your reason, I urge you to consider taking time to attend your party's caucus tomorrow evening.
If you aren't sure of your caucus location, you can visit the Secretary of State's website caucusfinder tool at http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/.
Past Events:
March for Life
Two weeks ago on January 22nd, I joined with dozens of other legislators in attending the March for Life rally at the Capitol. It was a wonderful event to celebrate the pro-life cause, and show our support for protecting the sanctity of life. Thank you to the hundreds of activists from around the state -- some who traveled several hundred miles -- for your dedication and support for this important cause.
Protection of the unborn is a deeply important issue to me. I was proud last session to vote in favor of all pro-life amendments, and stand up for the rights of the unborn. I'm also thankful that in the House, Republicans joined a coalition of pro-life Democrats to offer various pro-life amendments to legislation. Unfortunately many of those provisions were stripped out in conference by the Senate, which lacks a pro-life majority. You can count on me to continue to support pro-life legislation and stand up for the rights of our most vulnerable citizens.
Zoo Legacy Tours
I had the chance on Thursday, January 30th, to tour the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley and the Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul as a part of my work with the Legacy Committee. It was an honor to welcome my fellow Legacy Committee members and the Capitol Investment Committee members to our community to tour the Minnesota Zoo, which is a state agency. Minnesota Zoo CEO Lee Ehmke gave an overview on how the Minnesota Zoo puts every dollar it receives in Legacy money to good use and highlighted that the Minnesota Zoo has a state-wide annual economic impact of $146 million. Lee also shared the Minnesota Zoo's bonding request for funding to repair and improve critical infrastructure and exhibits at the Zoo.
Later that day, the committee members and I visited Minnesota's second-largest zoo, the Como Zoo and Conservatory. The Como Zoo, run by St. Paul, receives Legacy dollars, and it was fascinating to see how those dollars are used to put together informative and educational material and programming for the millions of visitors who visit the Como Zoo each year. The Como Zoo staff also shared their bonding request for road improvements to make the Zoo more accessible and exhibit updates to meet new federal requirements.
Workforce Center Tour
This morning, February 3rd, I toured the Dakota County Burnsville Workforce Center to meet with staff and learn about the services they offer. Dakota County Burnsville Workforce Center is one of the many Workforce Centers throughout Minnesota and is a part of a state agency, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Dakota County Burnsville Workforce Center provides classes, services, and resources for those looking for a job or just trying to take the next career step. They also provide services unique to military veterans, have a dislocated worker program, and can refer those with disabilities to more specific services. To learn more about the Dakota County Burnsville Workforce Center, visit: http://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/workforce-centers/workforce-center-locations/burnsville-wfc/
2014 Legislative Session
Session begins only three weeks from tomorrow. I have already been attending legislative preview events and meeting with constituents about issues likely to come up this session.
If you have any suggestions for legislation or thoughts on what the legislature should focus its efforts on when we resume again on February 25th, I hope you'll contact me. I welcome your input and feedback. You can reach my office by calling 651-296-4306 or by emailing rep.anna.wills@house.mn. My door is always open, and as always, I'm happy to meet with you for coffee in our community or in St. Paul.
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B