Dear Friends,
It is under a week until Christmas, and we are gearing up for an early start to session on January 3rd. Here are a few updates as we head into the New Year and the new biennium.
Special Session Negotiations
Negotiations have been ongoing since May regarding a possible special session to address the bonding bill and the tax relief bill. In recent weeks, Governor Mark Dayton and House and Senate leadership have also included addressing the MNsure crisis if a special session were called.
Governor Dayton named last Friday, December 16th, as the last possible day to come to an agreement if we were going to have a special session this year. Governor Dayton submitted a list of additional bonding projects not included in the original bonding bill. Speaker Kurt Daudt submitted proposals to address health care costs, continuity of care, and access issues. Governor Dayton and Speaker Daudt were unable to reach agreement on these points and the Governor abruptly ended discussion and walked out of the meeting, thereby removing any chance of a special session being called.
Here is a video from Speaker Daudt where he gives an update regarding the close of Special Session negotiations on December 16th :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43yBLMfOyy4&feature=youtu.be&t=2s
While Governor Dayton has chosen not to call a special session (only the governor has the authority to do so), I want to assure you that dealing with the MNsure crisis and passing the tax relief bill will be top priorities when the session reconvenes January 3rd. However, since 2017 is a budget year, it is likely that passing a bonding bill will wait until 2018 because we traditionally pass bonding bills in the second year of the biennium.
House Committee Assignments
I’m pleased to announce that I will be serving on the Legacy Funding Finance, Education Finance, and Taxes committees in the Minnesota House this coming biennium. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members toward passing meaningful reforms and a responsible budget!
Legislative Information Manual
Every year House Public Information Services puts out a comprehensive guide regarding Minnesota's legislative procedure, and the functioning and structure of our state government. Here is a link to this very helpful resource: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/2016_Legislative_Manual.pdf
Secretary of State Council and Committee Vacancies
The State’s Office has announced 2016 vacancies for various councils, committees, and state boards that are accepting applications. Applications are due December 26th, and available vacancies can be found at this link: https://commissionsandappointments.sos.state.mn.us/Position
In Our Community
On December 9th, Dakota County Commissioners hosted a legislative breakfast to discuss the County's legislative priorities with my fellow Dakota County legislators and myself. It was a great opportunity to hear what is important to our County, such as transportation funding and Met Council reforms. Thank you to Dakota County for the productive discussion!
On December 16th, I joined other local legislators at Dakota Electric for a legislative reception. We enjoyed getting an update regarding Dakota Electric’s innovative services for their customers and hearing their legislative priorities for the upcoming session, such as regulatory reforms and local control. Thank you for having us Dakota Electric!
On December 20th, Dakota County legislators, including myself, met with the Dakota County Regional Chamber to discuss their legislative priorities and what we hope to focus on in the upcoming session that would benefit the local business community. I look forward to working with the Chamber in the upcoming session!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!
Finally, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope you have a very blessed holiday with your family and friends, and make some wonderful memories!
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns. Email me any time at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills. If you plan to stop by and visit me at the Capitol, my office is 491 in the State Office Building.
Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your family in the New Year!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B