Dear Friends,
The legislature has been working at a rapid pace this week as we approach the first committee deadline next Friday, March 20.
Several of my bills have already met the first deadline, meaning they are on track to continue making their way through the normal legislative process. Bills that don't meet committee deadlines must receive special approval from the Rules Committee, so legislators are working hard this week to hear as many bills as possible in order to meet next Friday's deadline.
Yesterday I presented my bill to help homeless youth, HF581 in the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. I'm proud of the bipartisan support for this bill, and am glad it's continuing to move through the process. It has now been laid over for possible inclusion in the HHS Finance Omnibus bill. To learn more about this bill, you can read this article from Session Daily: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=5474
There was also a hearing on my bill in the Education Finance Committee yesterday to increase funding for the Minnesota Children's Museum, HF 1045. The Children's Museum has received flat funding since the museum was built in 1997. The funding accounts for 3% of their operating budget, and the increase would bring that percentage to 5%. The Children's Museum provides play-based learning and encourages parents to be their child's first and most important teacher. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Education Finance Omnibus bill.
Then there was a hearing on my bill in the Eduction Innovation Policy Committee last night to help find efficiencies and reduce paperwork for Special Education teachers, HF 964. The Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report in 2013 outlining the status of Special Education in Minnesota and offering several recommendations to improve it. While some of the recommendations were passed into law last year, HF 964 would implement a few of the remaining recommendations. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Education Innovation Policy Omnibus bill.
Town Hall Meeting tomorrow
You're invited to attend tomorrow morning's Senate District 57 Town Hall meeting that I'm hosting along with Sen. Greg Clausen and Rep. Tara Mack. The event is at 10:30AM at the Galaxie Library in Apple Valley. This is your chance to get an update on what's going on in Saint Paul and ask legislators from both chambers and both parties about issues that are on your mind. If you aren't able to attend, please send me your thoughts and input via email at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call my office at 651-296-4306.
Survey
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to fill out my 2015 legislative survey, and consider passing it along to any friends and neighbors in our district so they can add their two cents. You can take the survey online by clicking here.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Apple Valley Boys Basketball team, who defeated Lakeville North yesterday to advance to Saturday's State Championship game against Champlin Park. Best of luck, and congratulations on what has already been a fantastic season!
Constituent Visits
Robin visited the Capitol on Thursday to advocate for homelessness & housing stability issues.
Great to visit with these constituents about child care, increasing MFIP grants, human trafficking, and Restore the Vote. Thanks for stopping by!
This group of young constituents visited on March 10 to talk about licensing of abortion clinics.
Thanks to Meredith for stopping by to talk about the 5% Campaign for home & community-based care services.
Have a great weekend,
Anna Wills
State Representative, District 57B