Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe that today is already the 14th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Nearly three thousand of our fellow neighbors were killed in the attacks, and the images from that day are something that are sure to stick with everyone old enough to remember that day for decades to come.
The terrorists who attacked our nation that day sought to bring America to its knees, but instead rallied a nation to unite and first comfort each other and then fight back and defend the freedoms they attacked. Today is a day to remember the fallen and thank those who serve and have served to keep this country safe.
Bonding Committee Visits the Minnesota Zoo
Yesterday, September 10th, I was able to welcome the House Capital Investment Committee to the Minnesota Zoo for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo's operations and to hear more about the Zoo's 2016 bonding request. I hope to see the Zoo included in any bonding bill passed during the 2016 session, and have chief authored legislation that has attracted an array of bipartisan co-authors in support of bonding funds for the Zoo.
Voter Registration Month
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has declared September as "Voter Registration Month" in Minnesota. If you aren't registered to
vote, you have a number of options; you can register online by clicking here, download the application and register by mail by clicking here, or you can register in-person at every state agency and all 87 county offices throughout Minnesota.
State Fair House Poll Results
Each year the Minnesota House of Representatives conducts an unscientific opinion poll of people at the State Fair. The results were interesting, to say the least. Fair-goers support exempting Social Security income from state income taxes, as well as publicly-funded Pre-K, and overwhelmingly believe that seniority should not be the primary factor in teacher hiring decisions. You can read the full results online here.
School Board & Referendum Votes
On November 3rd, residents of District 196 will go to the polls to vote on a school referendum and for school board elections. The candidates for school board (in alphabetical order) are Joel Albright, Craig Angrimson, Michael Atherley, Rob Duchscher, Sachin Isaacs, Jackie Magnuson and Bob Schutte. A Candidate Forum has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Rosemount City Hall. You can attend the forum in person or watch the forum on local channels 180 and 188 up until Election Day.
Read more about the referendum vote in the Apple Valley Sun by clicking here. Learn more about the seven candidates for school board by clicking here. Off-year elections such as these typically see low voter turnout, so I hope you'll get involved and learn more about these important elections.
Thank You John Kline
I wanted to say a brief word of thanks to Congressman John Kline for his service to our district and to our country. Congressman Kline announced that he will retire after this term, and he certainly is leaving big shoes to fill. I've been grateful for his support and encouragement over the years, and wish him the best of luck as he starts his next chapter of life next year.
Veterans Appreciation Event
The Rosemount VFW is holding a Veterans Appreciation event from 12PM-5PM tomomrrow, September 12th at the Rosemount VFW. There will be live entertainment, a silent auction, and $5 gets you a burger or hot dog and fries. Tickets are available at the door. The Rosemount VFW is located at 2625 120th Street West in Rosemount.
As always, you can reach me any time at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. Follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B