Dear Friends,
As we head into the Independence Day Weekend, here are a few things that may be of interest.
Legislative Surrogacy Commission
On Tuesday, June 28th, the Minnesota State Legislative Surrogacy Commission held its first meeting at the Capitol.
This first meeting consisted of a brief overview of the surrogacy issue in Minnesota over the past few decades. Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) and Sen. Alice Johnson (D- Spring Lake Park) were elected co-chairs.
Addressing commercial surrogacy in our state is long overdue, and it is essential that we start discussing measures that define safe and ethical practices. I look forward to addressing these issues with fellow legislators and stakeholders.
Meetings of the Commission are open, and anyone can attend if they would like. For upcoming meeting dates, information will be available at the Legislative Coordinating Commission's Surrogacy Commission web page: http://www.lcc.leg.mn/lcs/
New Laws Going into Effect
Today, July 1st, our $189 supplemental budget will go into effect, along with most of the other spending bills from this last session that were passed and signed by the Governor.
As I’ve mentioned before, the supplemental budget included several important reforms, including three provisions I authored. The first measure would require the Minnesota Department of Education to post criteria on their website for non-profits applying for a food and nutrition program, clarifying the process. The second measure allocates $69,000 in funding for hearing-impaired preschool students to attend the Metro Deaf School. My third provision in the supplemental budget makes changes to the Manufactured Home Trust Fund, increasing the maximum and minimum amounts that can be reimbursed to a homeowner to cover the moving costs if they are forced to relocate from a manufactured home park. The Trust Fund is funded by homeowners and park owners, there are no tax dollars involved.
One of the most notable items in the Supplemental Budget proposal is a provision that makes all military retirement benefits tax-exempt. This will positively impact the over 18,000 retired military men and women who currently live in our state, and hope will encourage more of our best and brightest to live in Minnesota once they leave the service.
I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of the supplemental budget provisions in our communities moving forward.
A summary of some of the provisions taking effect July 1, 2016, can be found at this link: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/0716nlrelease.pdf
Apple Valley Freedom Days
Starting this last Monday, Apple Valley has been enjoying the 50th Anniversary of Apple Valley Freedom Days celebration. Festivities will continue through July 4th, and the daily schedule is available at this link: http://www.avfreedomdays.com/daily-schedule/
Car Break-ins
Over this past weekend, the Apple Valley Police received 7 reports of car break-ins, concentrated in the southeastern corner of the city. In nearly all cases, the cars were left out of a garage and unlocked. In one case, a car window was broken. The Apple Valley Police are advising that people park their cars in their garage if possible, lock their doors, and remove any valuables in the vehicle.
The department has also said they often see trends in break-ins while drivers are in parking lots for establishments like retailers and churches, so these measures should be followed even when leaving your car for a short time. In any case, call 911 if you see any suspicious activity.
In the Community
Dakota County Regional Chamber Coffee Break
On June 28th, I had the pleasure of joining fellow chamber members at the June Coffee Break. This event was hosted by Rosemount Senior Living at the Steeple Center. It was a pleasure to touch base with people about what’s happening in our community heading into summer.
Flint Hills Visit
On June 29th, several of my colleagues and I visited Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount. It was so interesting to learn about the different energy resources that Flint Hills produces. What impressed me most about Flint Hills is their focus on safety and protecting the environment as their top priorities. Thank you to Flint Hills for having me!
Happy 4th of July Weekend
In closing, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a very relaxing and enjoyable Independence Day Weekend. We are so privileged to live in a country that strives so intently for liberty and equality for its citizens. I hope you can take the time to celebrate our great nation this holiday weekend!
Stay in Touch
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns. Email me anytime at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills.
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative 57B
Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Coates