Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already fast-approaching and that winter seems to finally be here. Here's an update from the past couple of weeks:
Education Finance Committee Tour
Last week on Monday, November 9th, my colleagues and I on the House Education Finance Committee took a small road trip to visit Faribault and Albert Lea. We stopped in Faribault to get a tour of the Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and Blind. These facilities do amazing work with students who have visual and hearing impairments, providing specialized education and care. It was inspiring to meet these students and hear about their achievements and how they've worked to overcome the challenges they face as members of the deaf and blind community.
Later that evening, the committee was in Albert Lea to hear local feedback on Q-Comp, World's Best Workforce, and other education initiatives. It's helpful to hear directly from district officials who are our eyes and ears on the ground for how education policies are implemented on the local level.
Chamber Luncheon
Met Council Chair Adam Duininck was the guest for the Apple Valley Chamber Luncheon that took place last Wednesday, November 11th. He gave an update on a variety of Dakota County issues and how they intersect with the Met Council, which handles a great deal of regional planning decisions. The Met Council is a unique government entity in charge of sewer and wastewater infrastructure, transit, and other regional planning. I have strong concerns about the Met Council's unique status as a non-elected entity with taxing authority that has a great deal of power and sway over decisions made by cities within its jurisdiction. I hope the legislature can work with Chair Duininck on ways to reform the Met Council so it is more accountable to taxpayers.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Earlier this week on November 17th, I joined Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland and other local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Merchants Bank in Apple Valley. Merchants Bank began in Winona in 1875, and has been serving Minnesota and Wisconsin ever since. I'm glad they were able to move to a more visible and convenient location, and am grateful to the bank for their support of Kids n' Kinship as well, which was recognized at the event.
Chili Cookoff Fundraiser
Bogart's will be hosting their 18th annual chili cookoff this Sunday, November 22nd at 12PM. $5 gets you an endless bowl of chili, and there will be a silent auction and prize drawings as well. Proceeds benefit Apple Valley & Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Bogart's is located at 14917 Garrett Ave, Apple Valley, MN. More information can be found on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Rosemount Facebook page here.
As always, email or call any time with your comments, questions, or concerns. Reach me by phone at 651-296-4306 or by email at rep.anna.wills@house.mn. You can also follow my updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills and on Facebook at www.fb.com/RepAnnaWills.
I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy and gratitude. From my family to yours, best wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for here in Minnesota.
Have a great weekend and a blessed Thanksgiving,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B