Dear Friends,
We've been hard at work this week in Saint Paul as my colleagues and I rush to have our bills meet the first committee deadline, which is at the end of the day today.
Several of my bills have already met the deadline, and are on track to either reach the floor or be included in a larger omnibus bill.
Thank You
Thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to attend the Town Hall meeting last week with Rep. Mack, Sen. Clausen, and myself. It was a great discussion, and we really appreciated the helpful feedback from so many constituents. If you weren't able to make it, please send any comments, feedback, or questions to rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306.
Here are some other updates from Saint Paul:
Transportation Plan
This coming Monday, March 23, Republicans will be releasing our comprehensive transportation proposal that invests in our state's roads and bridges without raising taxes. Most people I talk to are not in favor of a gas tax increase, and want to find a way to make sure we're taking good care of our state's road and bridge infrastructure using existing funding. With a nearly $1.9 billion surplus, most people feel it doesn't make sense to be raising taxes even higher for such a basic need as gas.
I will be sure to send along details of the plan next week.
Hawaiian Monk Seals coming to the Minnesota Zoo
I wanted to pass along a fun video from a Hawaii news station about the new Hawaiian monk seals that will soon be coming to Discovery Bay at the Minnesota Zoo. There will be a formal celebration welcoming these animals to the Zoo later this spring. You can watch the video by clicking here.
Comment Period Extended for Water Plan
The Metropolitan Council has extended the public comment period for the draft version of the 2040 Water Resources Plan. As we've seen from other Met Council plans, these 2040 plans can have a significant impact on our local cities and counties, so it's important that you make your voice heard. Comments must be submitted by 5PM on March 27. You can read the plan by clicking here, and submit comments by phone at 651-602-1500, email at public.info@metc.state.mn.us, or by mail at Metropolitan Council, 390 Robert St N., Saint Paul, MN 55101.
Job Fairs
If you or someone you know is looking for a job, there are two job fairs coming up on March 26 and March 28. The March 26th event features a wide variety of employers, and will take place from 11AM-4PM at the Eagan Civic Center (3870 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN). For a full list of employers, click here. The March 28th event is the River South Job Fair which will take place from 10AM-3PM at Canterbury Park Expo Center (1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN). Canterbury, Mystic Lake, the Reinaissance Fair, and Valley Fair will be participating and have part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions available. For more information, please click here.
Blood Drive
There's several upcoming opportunities to give the gift of life by donating blood. Here are the upcoming times and locations:
3/24-9:30AM-3:30PM at the School of Environmental Studies-12155 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd in Apple Valley
4/1-11:00AM-4:00PM at the Apple Valley Medical Center-14655 Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley
4/9-12PM-6PM at the Mt. Olivet Assembly of God Church-14201 Cedar Ave, in Apple Valley
Constituent Visits & Community Events
Last weekend I had a great time at the Festival of Music at Eastview High School. The program is partially funded by the Legacy Amendment, and featured the Velvet Tones and the Deerwood Elementary De Capo Choir.
Thanks to this group of constituents for stopping yesterday to chat about paid vacation time, restoring the vote, and transit funding.
It was also great to meet with Alex & Emily from Gustavus who came to advocate for the Minnesota college grant program.
If you're planning a visit to the Capitol and would like to schedule a visit, please contact my office at 651-296-4306 or email me at rep.anna.wills@house.mn. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills.
Have a great weekend, and enjoy the first day of spring!
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B