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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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Happy Independence Day from Rep. Sondra Erickson

Friday, June 30, 2017

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The following is an excerpt from a message I received from the American Legion/Auxiliary a couple of years back. I return to this passage around Independence Day and find its message rings truer than ever in the world we face today. I wanted to share this with you, and to wish you a safe and happy 4th of July Holiday.
 
“As we pause this week to celebrate our nation’s birthday, the holiday weekend also gives us time to reflect on what America means.

We all cherish our freedoms. The democracy we have been promised means that we can speak freely, run for elected office and worship as we choose. Imagine a nation without such freedoms. There are many such regimes operating today. Unlike them, America has been the land of opportunity for over 235 years. More than a place on the map, America is an idea, an idea represented by the Stars and Stripes.
 
The American flag is a powerful symbol. We who served beneath it fully understand that. Those who dream of escape from tyranny elsewhere on the planet see it as a sign of hope. Their oppressors are threatened by it.”
 
We are truly blessed to live in a country that has served to shine the light of freedom into dark places in this world.
 
New Laws take effect July 1, 2017
 
This session we passed a completed state budget that was signed by Governor Dayton, meaning the state government is funded for the 2018-19 biennium. The fiscal year begins July 1, and most provisions in our budget bills will take effect on that date.
 
Information regarding what laws will come into effect can be accessed at http://www.house.mn/hinfo/leginfo/0717nlrelease.pdf.
 
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in Saint Paul, and have a wonderful 4th of July Weekend!
 
Sincerely,
 
Sondra