Dear Friends,
I hope this note finds you enjoying the beautiful fall weather that's finally here, and that you'll get a chance to get outside in the next few weeks to enjoy the time we have left before the snowflakes start falling.
I've been staying busy with events here in our community as well as having the chance to travel the state with members of the Legacy Committee. Here's some news and updates from the last week.
Legacy Committee Tour
September 10th and 11th, members of the Legacy Committee toured a number of Legacy projects that receive funding in North East and Central Minnesota. Among the stops were trips to Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton where we learned about how the DNR is working to restore trails and bridges that were washed away by torrential rain last summer.
In Duluth we stopped at the Duluth Aquarium as well as the Duluth Harbor where we heard about work being done to study and remove contaminants from the river.
We also toured the Northwest Fur Trade Post in Pine City which shows what the fur trade was like in the 1800's, when the fur trading industry helped drive Minnesota's economy.
It's great to see the impact that Legacy Funds have around the state. I posted a photo album of these stops, as well as a few others on my legislative Facebook page. Check the photos out here, and be sure to "like" my page if you haven't already!
MNsure Data Breach
Last week, we learned that a MNsure employee improperly released personal data, including social security numbers, of more than 2400 people. This news is distressing, as it raises concerns about whether Minnesotans can be sure that their private health information will be kept safe once open enrollment begins October 1st. Those impacted by the data breach were contacted by the state, so if you have not been contacted, your information remains secure.
Data privacy is a critical aspect of MNsure, which is projected to handle the enrollment of more than one million Minnesotans. That is why members of both parties on the MNsure oversight committee will continue pressing to make sure MNsure is held accountable and is in fact ready for the October 1st launch.
In addition to the oversight committee, the non-partisan Legislative Auditor plans to look into the breach and data privacy protections as well. Minnesotans need confidence in these programs, and it's important that these mistakes are corrected and that safeguards are put in place to prevent future data breaches.
Childcare Unionization Effort Delayed
A brief update on the childcare unionization bill that was passed last session -- the 8th Circuit United States Court of Appeals granted an injunction to a group seeking to block the unionization effort pending a ruling by the US Supreme Court on a similar case in Illinois.
For now the effort remains on hold, and I will keep you up to date on further developments as the case moves forward. If you are a childcare provider who has questions about this case or the unionization effort in general, please feel free to contact my office via email at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4306, and I will be happy to provide you information.
Community Events
I had a great time last Saturday, September 14th, at the 35th Annual Booya! Event at the Apple Valley Fire Station. It was great to chat with constituents while selling raffle tickets for this wonderful event that brought in folks from all around our community to raise money for the Firefighter's Relief Association.
Constituents Jolene & Baby Reagan at the Booya! Event
On Sunday, September 15th, I was honored to be among those invited to attend the Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Volunteer Appreciation event. It was great to see many members of our community recognized for the work they do for our servicemen and women and their families in our community. For more information about the Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, please visit http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/rosemount.
On Wednesday, September 18th, I attended a home visit put on by The Arc Greater Twin Cities, an organization that works with and provides services for developmentally disabled children and adults. Several elected officials came to hear concerns from families with loved ones with disabilities and to discuss ways to improve services. To learn more about The Arc Greater Twin Cities, please visit http://arcgreatertwincities.com/.
Lastly, I wanted to thank everyone that has been sending emails and sharing their thoughts. I always welcome your input and questions, and appreciate you taking the time to contact me.
My door is always open, and I am always willing to set up an in-district meeting to discuss issues of importance to you or to help answer questions you may have on any of the issues that the legislature may address next session, or any of the new laws that were passed last session. Please contact my office at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or 651-296-4306 to set up a meeting.
Thank you for the continued privilege of serving our community at the Minnesota House. Enjoy the first weekend of fall!
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B