Dear Friends,
Here's an update on the positive news for our state's economy, as well as events around our community from this week and next week.
Economy Continues to Improve
This week, we received word from the Minnesota Management and Budget office that revenues once again have exceeded projections, indicating continued growth for our economy.
The $463 million dollars in greater-than-anticipated revenue will be used to pay down the remaining balance of the school shift that was passed in 2009. About $500 million dollars remains on the tab, and if revenues continue to exceed projections, those dollars will be used to pay back the remainder of that balance. Unfortunately, due to the DFL's decision not to prioritize paying back the school shift in the 2013 legislative session, approximately $50 million dollars in interest will be added to the total remainder of the shift, this additional cost will be paid by the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota.
Additionally, we learned that Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped .1% from 5.3% to 5.2%. The private sector created about 2400 jobs last month, meaning Minnesota has recovered approximately 95% of the jobs lost during the recession.
IN THE COMMUNITY:
Senior Complex Proposal Open House
On Thursday, July 11th, developers presented plans for a senior living complex and community center in downtown Rosemount, a project long-sought after by the city. City officials and the developer, Stonebridge Communities, held an open house to give residents a chance to find out more about the complex, which would be located on the former site of the St. Joseph’s School. If you were unable to attend, or want to learn more or share your thoughts about this proposal, contact Community Development Director, Kim Lindquist: kim.lindquist@ci.rosemount.mn.usd members at this event.
Welcome Pep Rally at Rosemount High School
Last weekend, the Rosemount High School band hosted the Tournament of Roses President Scott Jenkins and his wife, Cindy. The band held a pep rally at the PAC at Rosemount High School on Friday, July 12th, and I was honored to be invited to speak to the band members at the event. I am so proud of the band members for being selected as one of the bands to perform in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California! To see photos from the rally, visit: http://sunthisweek.com/2013/07/12/rosemount-high-school-marching-band-headed-to-2014-tournament-of-roses-parade/. To learn more about the Tournament of Roses, visit: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
Tour of Flint Hills Resources
On Friday, July 12th, I had the opportunity to tour Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount along with several members of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Flint Hills has the capacity to produce 320,000 barrels of oil a day and is one of the safest and cleanest refineries operating in the United States. Flint Hills employs more than 900 full-time people and can have an additional 400 to 2,000 contract workers on-site on any given day. Flint Hills also invests in many local programs and organizations such as the Science Museum of Minnesota programming and Ducks Unlimited statewide wildlife preservation and habitat restoration programs. To learn more about Flint Hills, visit: http://www.fhr.com/refining/minnesota.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Ben Kopp Memorial Ride
Ben Kopp Memorial Ride last weekend was a success! For more information on the Ben Kopp Memorial Ride, which honors the lives and sacrifices of our men and women in the military and raises money for veterans organizations, please visit the Facebook event page here. You can also visit http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/rosemount for more information on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Rosemount Leprechaun Days
One of the greatest things about summer is community events such as the Rosemount Leprechaun Days! This fun community festival started today and goes through Sunday, July 28th. The festival includes a carnival, musical performances, and the Grand Day parade. To learn more, visit: http://www.rosemountevents.com/Leprechaun.html
Veterans Honored at Saints Game
On July 30th, several veterans will be honored at a Saints game, and one of those veterans is Captain Dennis Davis. I met Dennis this past session working on my Veterans Tax Credit bill, as he was instrumental in drafting the language for my bill. Dennis also recently authored a book about veterans' skills being an asset in the workforce. He is going to be giving away copies of his book, Not Your Average Joe, to people attending the Saints game. There are limited quantities available, so the books will be given out on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about Dennis’s vision for hiring veterans, visit: http://www.metafrazo.net/. For more information about the Saints game, visit: http://bit.ly/130Egms.
These are the veterans that will be honored at the Saints game:
Rene Montero/MN Army National Guard/Master Sergeant/1986 - present
Kristen Maloney?/US Air Force Reserve/Master Sergeant/1998 - present
Jeff Imsdahl/US Air Force Reserve/Chief Master Sergeant/1988 - present
Tom Delich/US Marine Corps Reserve/Master Sergeant/1993 - 1999
Ted Daley/US Army Reserve/Lieutenant Colonel/1988 - present
Dennis Davis/US Air Force Reserve/Captain/1991 - 1994, 2003 - present
Thanks to these, and all veterans for your service to our country!
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Anna Wills