Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Budget Forecast
Last week, the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget released the February economic forecast, which legislators will use to craft the Fiscal Years 2018-19 budget later this session. Our state’s budget surplus increased by approximately $250 million from November and is now up to $1.65 billion.
This is great news for Edina taxpayers, families and schools, and with this funding, I will be advocating for a two-year state budget that invests in our shared priorities including education, tax relief, transportation, and caring for our most vulnerable.
Budget targets are expected to be released soon as legislators continue work on the 2018-2019 biennial budget. I will keep you posted as more news becomes available.
Sunday Sales Signed into Law
This week, Governor Dayton signed House File 30 into law which will legalize the sale of beer, wine and liquor on Sundays in Minnesota. The law takes effect July 1, 2017, and liquor stores will have the option of being open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This was a measure that I know many people in Edina supported, and I am glad it was signed into law.
Open Enrollment Bill
I am carrying legislation this session that gives Edina students first priority to go to Edina schools. My open enrollment bill will streamline the enrollment lottery process, which is a priority for many Edina families with school-aged children.
This legislation was heard in the Education Policy Committee and laid over for possible inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill.
Children’s Museum Bill
In the Education Finance Committee recently, my legislation to appropriate funding to the Minnesota Children’s Museum was heard. My bill would provide $260,000 per year for the museum for ongoing operations, as well as make a onetime grant of $400,000.
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is a wonderful asset for our state and a great educational tool for kids, and I am pleased my bill is moving forward.
Congratulations to the Edina Girls’ Hockey Team!
I wanted to give a quick shout out to the Edina girls' hockey team for winning the program’s first state title recently. You’ve made your community and school very proud. Well done!
Around the Capitol
I had a number of constituent groups visit the Capitol over the past couple weeks.
Steve and Catherine Webster stopped by for Arts Advocacy Day; Nancy Paige and Christ Madigan were at the Capitol with the Minnesota Ambulatory Surgery Center Association; Laura Moret stopped by to discuss support for the U of M; Dr. Gary Rohrer and Dr. Cindy Sundet were here for Dental Day on the Hill; Genevieve Nordin met with me to discuss funding for legal aid lawyers; Michael Malone was here for Green Industry Day on the Hill; and I met with a big group for Catholics at the Capitol including Sarah Mealey, Dave and Mary Jo Franske, John Niemann, Alexis Pricco, Maura Schnorbach, Sharon Soderlund, and Fr. Adam Tokashiki.
Thank you to everyone who came to Saint Paul to meet with me!
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I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen this session. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Dario
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