Dear Neighbors,
The legislative session has just about wrapped up its fifth week, as committees continue to work through the governor’s budget proposal and other pieces of legislation.
I wanted to start this update by wishing my wife Sally a happy birthday. This special woman has been my rock for so many years and I want her to know how much I love her. I wish I could be with you on your special day, but duty calls. It’s a sacrifice elected officials make to serve our state and its people.
State of the State
Last night, Governor Dayton delivered his third State of the State address. Governor Dayton has shown tremendous leadership and I applaud his positive vision for Minnesota’s future. The last decade of cuts, gimmicks, and no revenue has squeezed our middle class and has hurt our state’s chances for long-term prosperity. I share Governor Dayton’s priority of investing in education because a good education system is essential to developing the highly-skilled workforce that will attract and retain businesses for our state, and strengthen our middle class.
I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the legislature to build a brighter future and a better Minnesota.
Informational Hearings on Gun-Related Legislation
I have heard a lot from constituents interested in gun-related legislation. The Legislature is carefully reviewing how best to keep our children and communities safe from gun violence, while at the same time protecting the constitutional rights of lawful gun owners. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and if there is legislation that would result in improved safety for our kids and communities we should respectfully debate and thoughtfully consider it.
I am a member of the House Public Safety Finance and Policy committee and have been participating in the informational hearings on gun-related bills. No votes have been taken, but members of the public have been given opportunity to share their input — both for and against — the various proposals.
I hope you will share your ideas and input with me on this issue throughout the legislative session.
Bill Hearings
One bill that I authored was heard in committee today and another is scheduled to receive its first hearing early next week.
HF 171 received its first hearing in the Education Policy Committee today. This bill would repeal the licensure exam for teachers. This exam has become problematic in keeping young, smart, and talented teachers in the field. We need to be thoughtful and examine changes to our current licensure system. I want to thank Dan Devine, Art Teacher at Pillager High School; Scott Doss, Pillager High School Principal; and Vikings Tight End John Carlson for taking the time to come to St. Paul and testify in favor of my bill. It was great to have them here.
HF110 is a bonding project for an elevator in the Brainerd Civic Center to make the building completely accessible to the handicapped and disabled. The bill will be heard in the Jobs and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, February 12. Brainerd City Administrator Theresa Goble will be here to speak in favor of my legislation. I greatly appreciate her taking the time to testify in front of the committee.
Local Events
I’ll be attending the MnUSA Snowmobile Rendezvous this weekend at Cragun’s Resort. It’s exciting that this great event is being held in our area. I’ll be heading out on a VIP ride on Friday and look forward to seeing folks out there.
I’ll also be attending a fundraiser for our veterans at the Brainerd American Legion this Saturday from 5-7 pm. The fundraiser is for a new organization called Outdoors with Heroes which works to give our veterans fun outdoor and hunting experiences. Please attend if you can.
Congratulations to Bill Faber
Finally, I’d like to congratulate Bill Faber on his appointment by Governor Dayton to serve on the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
I’m thrilled that Bill was appointed to serve on this important commission. I’ve always said that we have so many talented people in our area who should be serving in these capacities, and Bill is certainly one of them. This is good for the LCCMR, good for our area, and good for our state. I know that Bill will do great work on this commission.
Please feel free to contact me with your ideas, questions, or concerns on the governor’s budget or on any other issue. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 and by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. It’s an honor to continue to serve you in the legislature. You can also follow me on Twitter and “Like” my Facebook page for updates.
Sincerely,
Representative John Ward
District 10A