Friends,
School is underway as are fall sports for students across Minnesota. There's a soccer or football game to take in almost every night. Enjoy it!
I also wanted to make sure you saw someone from our area is making quite the splash on Fox's primetime show "So You Think You Can Dance." Taylor Sieve has made it to the final four and preforms again next week. Make sure you tune in to Fox on Monday at 7:00 pm to cheer Taylor on!
Hammer
Recently I had the opportunity to tour Hammer, a group dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities live life to its fullest. It was great to meet the employees and volunteers who help those with disabilities live as independently as possible; but it was just as inspiring to meet with those living and working at the facility.
Rep. Smith at the Hammer facility
Rep. Smith touring the Hammer facility
ADA Lawsuits in the News
This past session I authored a bill Governor Dayton signed to protect against fraudulent ADA lawsuits brought under Minnesota law. However, there has been reports of another rash of ADA lawsuits threatened against numerous St. Paul businesses as well as business across the state with attorneys threatening to bring action under the Federal Law. So while under Minnesota law it was fixed so that businesses must be given a window of time to correct an ADA violation once it has been brought to their attention, the Federal Law has not caught up to these lawyers going door-to-door looking for violations. I hope this is another situation where the Federal Government will look to Minnesota for how to the federal law.
I will be working with our Congressman to get changes made to the Federal Law to stop these abuses of well-meaning laws.
Driverless Car Expo
Today, Friday September 8th, I will be attending a driverless car expo put on by VSI Labs in Saint Louis Park. This technology will truly revolutionize the way we travel and it is coming just around the corner. Having a facility in the West Metro that is on the cutting edge of this innovative technology represents a great opportunity for Minnesota. Hopefully I'll get some fun pictures for next week's update!
Harvey Efforts
Last week I shared the efforts that the Osseo-Maple Grove Legion was undertaking to ship goods to Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. On Sunday, the first semi trailer was filled and donations were accepted for a second trailer until Tuesday when the trailers left for Texas. The donations arrived late this week.
This effort, in the wake of such devastation, shows how great our country and community can be. I am proud to see our community give to those in need.
ICYMI: Tax Incentives for Parents
I wanted to make sure parents know about tax incentives that may allow them to keep more of their hard earned money come next tax season. Minnesota has both a credit and a subtraction for education expenses. Parents are encouraged to check the Revenue website to determine which expenses qualify. Full details about the Education Subtraction and Credit can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us.
Lions Roar Days
Osseo's Lions Roar Days are here. The Osseo Lions will also have their famous roast beef sandwiches, pork chops on a stick, turkey legs, and brats with all the fixings. Smith Farms will have roasted corn -- no relation, but I do love the corn!
It'll be a fun time for the whole family and look for me in the parade on Saturday! See a full list of the events here or the flyer below.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis