Dear Neighbors,
As we enter the final weeks of the 2014 Session, legislators are spending time hearing bills on the floor, conference committees are meeting to iron out differences between House and Senate bills, and negotiations continue on the proposed dollar amount for our state’s bonding bill. A number of bills have passed off of the House floor. Here is an update on some of the work that is being done:
Wonderful to welcome these young visitors in their "Capitol Crowns" to the House Chambers!
Protecting MN Students Studying Abroad
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Many Minnesota students have wonderful study abroad experiences that enrich global perspectives and learning, but some students have been needlessly assaulted, injured, or even died while studying abroad. There is currently no federal or state legislation that requires reporting of these incidents.
Sen. Terri Bonoff and I are working on legislation that will require reporting of safety records for these programs through both the Secretary of State and the Office of Higher Learning websites. This will enable students and families to make informed decisions as they choose study abroad programs. That language is now in the conference committee report, and I will continue to work to get this first-in-the-nation legislation into law.
Protecting Our Privacy
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HF 2120, which I have co-authored, establishes a Data Practices Commission. In the wake of data breaches at Target and other major corporations, and the multiple ways personal data is instantly available in this Information Age, we need to be pro-active and responsible in our approach to protecting our citizens’ private data. This bill passed with broad bi-partisan support to establish the Legislative Commission on Data Practices and Personal Data Privacy. The Commission will study issues relating to government data practices and individuals’ personal data privacy rights to establish sound policies and statutes in this area.
Protecting Individuals in Domestic Abuse Situations
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HF 3238 strengthens protections for victims of domestic violence by removing firearms from abusers subject to civil orders for protection, and those prohibited from possessing firearms due to a criminal conviction related to domestic abuse. This bill also passed with wide bipartisan support (111-15). Due process is involved, and this statute could only be invoked in cases where a restraining order has been obtained.
Accountability in Government
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HF 1961 is a bill I co-authored that broadens financial interest disclosure for public officials to increases transparency to address conflict of interest issues for elected officials in Minnesota. This bill will strengthen the MN Campaign Finance Board’s authority to audit and investigate compliance with campaign finance and disclosure requirements. I’m pleased that this bill passed on a bi-partisan vote. Our community members are entitled to know whether their legislators are acting in the best interests of Minnesotans or themselves.
Transportation Update:
--Long Overdue: Many of us travel I-494 North and South through the Plymouth area, and have been frustrated with wasted hours due to the lack of an additional lane. Recently, a bill that directs the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to add an additional lane to I-494 in both directions in the Plymouth area passed the House. I co-authored the bill (HF 2149), and we have worked with MnDOT to identify funding for this project from existing sources. I will continue to press for funding and completion of this long over-due project.
--Southwest Light Rail: As you may have seen in the news, the Governor has held a series of meetings with Metropolitan Council representatives, state legislators, and local elected officials from the Southwest LRT area. In those meetings I have advocated for construction of the line, including extending the line to its initial end point, Mitchell Road. That last stop had been eliminated from the plans for a period of time in an effort to save money. The Governor has indicated his agreement with the wisdom of ending the line at Mitchell Road, and not the Southwest Station, which will improve accessibility and traffic flow for our community.
The SWLRT will be a vital part of a multi-modal transit approach, which needs to also include rapid bus service and will require roads and bridges in good repair.
Governor’s State of the State Address
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On Wednesday evening, a joint session of the legislature listened to Governor Dayton give his State of the State Address. I was pleased to hear his continued focus on creating good jobs, strengthening Minnesota’s economy, and investing in education to prepare workers of the future. The Governor also touched on transit issues affecting our region, like the I-494 expansion I mentioned above. MnDOT was able to find additional money in their budget through streamlining and finding efficiencies so that they will be able to begin work on this project sooner than expected. Streamlining, improving efficiencies, and removing outdated rules and requirements have been priorities during this “unsession”.
Thanks to the many of you who have emailed, phoned, written letters and postcards, and have come to visit me at the capitol. Working together, we can continue to build on the progress we have made and move MN forward again. Please stay in touch.
As always, thank you for the honor of being your voice in St. Paul.
Best,
Yvonne