Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Visiting Buffalo High School
Thank you to the Buffalo High School students who had me visit their school recently to talk about important issues like school safety, mental health and gun control. I appreciated the smart and thoughtful discussion we had on many issues important to our community and state.
I am excited about our next generation of leaders!
Foods and Funds for Our Local Food Shelves
I had a great time doing the shopping spree at Cub Foods in Buffalo to help raise food and funds for local food shelves. It was a great event put on by the Wright County Farm Bureau, and I appreciate their efforts to help feed our neighbors in need and increase awareness of local hunger.
Over $7,000 worth of food and funds was raised for the Annandale Food Shelf, Cokato Food Shelf and Wright County Community Action in Waverly.
Thank you to all of the organizations that donated and made this event possible!
Strengthening DWI Laws
Last week, the Transportation Policy Committee passed my bipartisan bill that would require ignition interlock after the second DWI offense for at least one year. If an offender does not own or lease a vehicle, they are exempted from the program. But, to drive legally, they must drive a vehicle that has the ignition interlock system.
I think this is an important bill that will help better enforce our drunk driving laws and keep more Minnesotans safe on the road. The bill’s next stop is the Public Safety Committee. I will keep you updated.
MNLARS Update
On Thursday, the Legislature came to an agreement and passed legislation that will provide $9.6 million to the Dayton Administration for our floundering licensing system MNLARS. This is funding they requested and claimed to need immediately to continue fixing MNLARS. The funding will come from the Department of Vehicle Services operating accounts in their special revenue fund.
Minnesota taxpayers have already shelled out nearly $100 million for this failed program, and responsibility starts from the top down in the Dayton Administration. We cannot keep throwing money at this project blindly, and why we implemented a number of oversight measures as part of the bill.
Minnesotans rightly expect a working system, and greater legislative oversight and monitoring of additional funding is critical as we move forward.
Also as I’ve stated previously, if you have had problems with the MNLARS system, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.
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As always, if you need assistance on an issue pertaining to state government or have concerns or ideas about legislation, my office is available to you. You can e-mail at Rep.Marion.ONeill@House.MN or call my office at 651-296-5063. You can also write a letter to me. My office address at the Capitol is 549 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Sincerely,
Marion