Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- First Listening Session TOMORROW in Maple Grove
- Attend Precinct Caucuses on Tuesday
- MNLARS Update
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
Listening Sessions
I am hosting three listening sessions this month, and the first one is tomorrow in Maple Grove. We will be previewing the upcoming 2018 legislative session and gathering input and ideas from area residents.
On Saturday, February 3rd I will be in Maple Grove with Rep. Dennis Smith and Sen. Warren Limmer. The meeting will take place from 9-10 AM at the Maple Grove Community Center in Room 133 (12951 Weaver Lake Road).
Sen. Limmer will also be with me at the Dayton and Rogers stops. The Dayton Listening Session is on Tuesday, February 13 from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Dayton Senior Center (18641 Dayton Street), and the Rogers Listening Session is on Thursday, February 15 from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Rogers Community Room in the North Room (21201 Memorial Drive).
I hope to see you there!
Attend Precinct Caucuses on Tuesday
Minnesota’s political parties will hold Precinct Caucuses on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Precinct Caucuses are the kick-off to the political season and allow Minnesotans to become involved in our democracy through these grassroots gatherings of neighbors. In addition to discussing issues and candidates, attendees will get to vote in a straw poll for governor. I encourage you to attend the Precinct Caucus of whatever political party you support.
To find out where your caucus will be held, go to the Secretary of State’s Precinct Caucus finder at caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
MNLARS (Auto Title and Licensing System) Update
In what seems to add to the never ending problems and ineptitude of our state’s new automobile licensing and registration system, it was released this week that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is seeking another $43 million to address the failed MNLARS computer system. This is on top of the nearly $100 million that has already been spent on MNLARS over the last decade.
The program launched earlier this summer, and Governor Dayton’s administration were resolved for weeks that the problems that came with the rollout were overstated and would be fixed quickly. Instead, we see the administration now demanding taxpayers pay millions of dollars more for MNLAR’s failures.
Furthermore, I am also concerned that the Department stated that without this additional funding, the majority of the problems with the MNLARS system would not be addressed for the remainder of the 2018-19 biennium. It seems the Dayton Administration simply wants to throw more money at a failed system, leaving Minnesotans the choice of either paying up or being left with a broken program that makes it more difficult to do simple tasks like renew tabs.
It is disappointing that MNLARS continues to fail, and with another REAL ID deadline coming up, this is an extremely important issue for our state.
Community Events
Pasta with a Purpose – The Rogers Lions Club is sponsoring a “Pasta with a Purpose” fundraising dinner for Tonyia Lucas and her fight against breast cancer on February 9. Featuring a spaghetti dinner with music by Benjamin and Erica, a cash bar, TV and 50/50 raffle and silent auction, the dinner will run from 5:30-8:00 with music from 7-11:00 p.m. Free will offering at the door. The event will be held at the Rogers Community Center, 21210 Memorial Drive
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin’s MinnTriv Question. Here is last week’s question: This well-known Minnesota tourist attraction sits on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium. The answer is the Mall of America.
Congratulations to Lisa Kliber from Maple Grove who is last week’s winner.
Here is this week’s question: Minnesotans are excited about Super Bowl LII this weekend, but when was the last Super Bowl played in Minnesota and who won the game?
The THIRD correct response will be featured in the next email update.
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A