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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Anna Wills (R)

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News from Representative Wills 05-02-2014

Friday, May 2, 2014

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday the Governor gave his annual State of the State address, historically a chance for the Governor to come before a joint session of the House and Senate and deliver his vision and priorities for the legislative session. This speech was much later than in recent years, and the Governor used the speech to highlight the legislation passed so far this session and lay out his views on the final weeks of session.

You can watch the entirety of the Governor's speech by clicking here.

The Governor made a call at the end of his speech for unity. At the end of his speech, he said "I believe we do share a Unity of Purpose.  We all love this state.  We all want to see it prosper." I was pleased to see the speech end on a positive note calling on the legislature to work together in unity of purpose to do what's best for Minnesota. While we don't always agree on how to do what's best for Minnesota, I have seen a great deal of unity this session, and hope that can continue as we finish our work in the closing weeks.

I was honored to be joined at the State of the State by Cindy Bills, a childcare provider from Rosemount. As many of you know, Cindy is also the wife of former 57B Rep. Kurt Bills, and has been a great friend to me over the past couple of years.

Cindy has been an outspoken opponent of the majority's effort to unionize childcare providers. Cindy shared her story prior to the Governor's speech, and I'm grateful she took time out of her busy life to join me for the State of the State.

Weapons Prohibition for Domestic Violence Offenders
I have received several emails, phone calls, and have had many conversations with constituents urging me to support HF3238, a bill that would require someone charged with domestic abuse or subject to an order of protection to surrender their firearms to law enforcement or an authorized third-party, like a relative.

This law is intended to help prevent gun violence against spouses, primarily women, in situations where there is a history of domestic violence or stalking.

I was initially concerned about this bill infringing on citizens' second amendment rights, but there has been significant work done by legislators on both sides of the aisle, including gun-legislation expert Rep. Tony Cornish, to make sure that second-amendment supporters' concerns were addressed and that the rights of law-abiding gun owners were protected.

This is an acceptable compromise bill that will help protect women from domestic violence, and it received overwhelming bipartisan support. Thank you to the many constituents who contacted me about this important piece of legislation.

Legislators Uniting to Volunteer
On Tuesday I joined a bipartisan group of legislators to volunteer as a part of Legislators Uniting to Volunteer, an initiative chaired by Republican Rep. Jenifer Loon and DFL Rep. John Ward to encourage volunteer work by legislators.

We helped pack toiletries care packages at Higher Ground, a homeless shelter run by Catholic Charities in Minneapolis, and toured the facility to learn about the great work that is being done by Catholic Charities to help individuals get a hand up in life. To learn more about the work being done at Higher Ground, visit: http://cctwincities.org/higherground

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Moms and Neighbors
Tonight I will be attending a fundraiser for "Moms and Neighbors." This non-profit group works with area school district counselors, churches, and members of the community to help families and young people facing financial or other hardships with basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing right here in our community. The fundraiser is open to the public and is being held at Carbone's in Rosemount from 6-11pm. For more information on the "Moms and Neighbors" program, please visit www.momsandneighbors.org/

Job Fair with Congressman Kline
Congressman John Kline will host a Career and Jobs Fair on Monday, May 12th from 9AM-1PM at the Eagan Community Center at 1501 Central parkway in Eagan. More than 40 private-sector employers with job openings will be in attendance. For more information, and a list of employers in attendance click here.

Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday, May 10th from 8-11AM the Diamond Path Elementary Destination ImagiNation teams will hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the Rosemount American Legion located at 14590 Burma Ave W in Rosemount. Cost is $6 at the door. There will also be raffle prizes, a pound auction, and bake sale. For more information on the Destination ImagiNation program, click here.

Blood Drives
There are several blood drives coming up in our area hosted by the American Red Cross:

May 5, 1-7PM
Apple Valley Fire Department, Station 1
15000 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN

May 8, 1-6PM
Hope Church
7477 145th Street, Apple Valley, MN

May 10, 9AM-3PM
Caribou Coffee
3868 150th Street, Rosemount, MN  

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4306. If you would like to meet for coffee in our community or in St. Paul, I'm happy to meet with you as well.

Thank you for the continued privilege of serving our community. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B