Dear Friends,
Yesterday I offered an amendment to what's known as the deficiency bill to restore public oversight over commissioner salaries. There have been a number of headlines over the past two weeks about the public outcry over more than $800,000 in pay increases approved by Governor Dayton single-handedly without input from the public. This power was given to him by the DFL-controlled legislature in 2013, which also raised the maximum salary amount for commissioners.
My amendment received overwhelming bipartisan support, and the bill passed with more than 100 yes votes. I'm glad that the legislature recognized the importance of including the public in these discussions, and has restored the legislature's oversight role in setting salaries moving forward.
Safe Place for Newborns
Last week I introduced bipartisan legislation to raise awareness for Minnesota's Safe Place for Newborns law. The Safe Place for Newborns law was passed in 2000, and allows a parent to drop an unwanted child at a hospital, health care provider, urgent cares, as well as other safe locations.
The law was passed in response to heartbreaking cases where troubled parents who either didn't want or were unable to care for their newborn were dropping children in unsafe locations, some even leading to the child's death.
Raising awareness about this law will help those in troubled situations leave their child in a safe place where it can be cared for and given a chance to live out their life. Even one death of an unwanted child is too many, but awareness is crucial to making sure these parents know they have a place to turn during troubled times. The bill is scheduled for a hearing next week, and I will keep you updated on its progress.
Constituent Visits
Thanks to Mary and Heather from District 196 for stopping to talk about education issues. I also got to meet with members of the Minnesota School Nutrition Association who visited to discuss school breakfast and nutrition needs for students.
It's a privilege to represent our community in Saint Paul, and I welcome your input and feedback to help me better represent our area. Please contact me at any time at rep.roz.peterson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5387.
Have a great weekend,
Roz Peterson
State Representative, District 56B