Dear Friends,
This week was the Governor's annual State of the State address. It was the third time I've had the privilege of hearing from the Governor about his ideas and plans for the remainder of session. If you weren't able to watch the Governor's speech, you can find a transcript and full video of the speech by clicking here.
After a week off for Easter/Passover break, it was great to be back in Saint Paul this week as we dive in to the final six weeks of session. Over that time, we will be working to pass a budget, a long-term transportation plan, and a few other issues before the constitutionally-mandated last day of session on May 18.
Here are some updates on some of the bills I've been working on:
Reading Corps
I have been working on legislation this session to increase funding for Reading Corps, a program that has demonstrated strong results in improving literacy for young learners. As a board member of ServeMinnesota, I've had a chance to see how this program works, and the results that it produces. The Apple Valley Sun Thisweek wrote a story earlier this month explaining the details of the bill.
The Star Tribune wrote an article last week about the importance of this program, and the need for additional funding to help Minnesota children. You can read their article by clicking here.
The Washington Post also had a great article about reading programs, and the positive impacts they have. You can read that article by clicking here.
Other Education Bills
Over the Easter/Passover Break I sat down with the Apple Valley Sun Thisweek to talk about many of the bills I'm working on this session; including several education bills, such as, my bill to change what's known as Compensatory Aid to give schools more funding flexibility, a bill to provide tax incentives to invest in 529 college savings plans, and a special education bill to reduce paperwork so teachers can spend more time in the classroom teaching children.
You can read the full article here.
Survey
This weekend is your last chance to take the online version of my 2015 legislative survey. If you haven't yet given your feedback, please take the online version before Monday by clicking here. Paper copies will be available after Monday, please call 651-296-4306 to request that a copy be mailed to you.
Head Start Visit
Over the Easter/Passover Break I had the opportunity to visit the Apple Valley Head Start program at Westview Elementary School where I visited with staff and saw the work they do getting children from low-income families ready for kindergarten. Head Start was developed in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson and offers a comprehensive family program funded with federal, state, and private dollars. Head Start recognizes that parents are their child's first and most important teacher. It was great to see how this program is helping to put students on a path to future success.
Coffee Connections
Earlier this week I was able to attend two Coffee Connection meetings hosted by the Apple Valley and Dakota County Chambers of Commerce. It was a great chance to visit with constituents and area business owners about their concerns. Thanks to everyone who attended and to the businesses for hosting!
Upcoming Events
The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Apple Valley Home and Garden Show tomorrow, Saturday, April 11th, at the Dakota County Western Service Center next to the library. This is a free, fun event for the whole family, and will feature food, an inflatable bounce house, animals from the Minnesota Zoo, arts and crafts, and more. For more information, please click here.
Please continue to stay in touch as we enter the last few weeks of session. You can reach me by email at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B