Dear Friends,
I hope you've been enjoying the beautiful weather we've had this week. With Memorial Day weekend coming up, I hope you'll have a chance to get outside and enjoy time with family and loved ones. Be sure to take time to remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day Monday. Memorial Day weekend is more than a three day weekend and extra day off from work—it's a time to remember the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the freedoms that make our country great. If you have time on Monday, consider attending one of our local Memorial Day ceremonies in Rosemount and Apple Valley. I'm planning on attending both, and hope to see you there as well!
Here are the details:
Rosemount
The Rosemount VFW and Rosemount American Legion will host their Memorial Day ceremony at the Rosemount Veterans Memorial, located in Central Park at 2893 145th Street W in Rosemount. There will be a musical performance by the 34th Infantry Division Red Bull Brass Quintet at 8:45AM, and the main program will begin at 9:15AM. A free lunch will be served at the Rosemount American Legion following the program. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held inside the Rosemount American Legion. More information can be found here.
Apple Valley
The American Legion Post 1776 will host a Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park located at 14521 Granada Drive in Apple Valley starting at 11AM. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Apple Valley American Legion. More information can be found here.
Here are some other updates from the past two weeks:
Rosemount Elementary Students Visit the Capitol
During the last week of session, Senator Greg Clausen and I got the chance to visit with students from Rosemount Elementary School during their trip to the Capitol. The students had excellent questions about our work at the legislature and enjoyed a tour of the State Capitol.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On Tuesday, May 20th, I joined members from the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at ChangeWorks Hypnosis Center in Apple Valley. ChangeWorks Hypnosis Center has been in the community for years, but just recently joined the Apple Valley Chamber and moved to a new location. It's always encouraging to see businesses achieving success and benefitting residents in our community.
Military Action Group
On Wednesday, May 21st, I attended the Military Action Group meeting at the State Office Building in St. Paul to hear a report on pro-veteran legislation that was passed into law in 2014 and to discuss which bills that didn't pass we will pursue in the next legislative session.
I plan to re-introduce HF 532, the Veterans Hiring Tax Credit bill I authored that unfortunately did not become law despite broad bi-partisan support. I remain committed to supporting pro-veteran legislation in the future that truly helps the men and women who serve our country.
District 196 Legislative Advisory Council
Later in the day on Wednesday, May 21st, I joined Sen. Clausen, Sen. Carlson, Rep. Mack, and Rep. Holberg for the District 196 Legislative Advisory Council meeting. During the meeting, legislators and district leaders shared their thoughts and perspectives on the 2014 session, and took an early look at priorities for the 2015 session. Working closely with our local schools gives us as legislators valuable insight into how legislation passed in St. Paul impacts District 196, and how the school district and the legislature can work together to improve education outcomes for our students.
American Indians Vets Honored
Today I attended the unveiling of a plaque on the Capitol grounds honoring American Indian Veterans. The ceremony was attended by Governor Dayton, Minnesota Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito, several legislators, and a number of other leaders from the American Indian community. One speaker noted that American Indians serve in the military at a rate significantly higher than any other group of Americans.
The plaque was made possible thanks to legislation by Rep. John Persell from Bemidji who represents a number of American Indian communities in Northern Minnesota. I was proud to be a co-author of this legislation and to be able to attend today's unveiling. American Indian Veterans deserve our respect and gratitude for their service to our country.
Town Hall Meetings
Due to a scheduling conflict, Representative Mack and I will be rescheduling our Town Hall meeting on June 10th. I will send along information about the new time and date as soon as the details are finalized. My Rosemount town hall meeting scheduled for May 28th will go ahead as planned.
Details:
Rosemount Town Hall
Wednesday, May 28th
6:00PM-7:30PM
Robert Trail Service Library
14395 S Robert Trail
Rosemount, MN 55068
Hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B