Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to enjoy some quality time with loved ones. Now that we’re into December, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is picking up even more and our area is no exception—we have some great upcoming holiday events in our community! These fun events provide a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy the season right in our own backyard; here are a few:
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The annual Anoka Christmas tree lighting ceremony is taking place this Saturday, December 3rd from 3:00-7:00 PM at Anoka City Hall. There will be bonfires, food vendors, a chance for kids to visit Santa Claus and trolley rides. Full information on the event can be found here.
Holiday in Lights
December 9th-11th, Holiday in Lights will be at the Anoka County Fairgrounds. This free event will include hay wagon rides, music and a great lights display. They will also be taking donations for Toys for Joy and the Food Shelf. More details can be found here.
Over the River and Through the Shops
Discover Anoka is sharing a number of great holiday events by local businesses throughout December. From sales to live music to visits with Santa, there is a lot going on in Anoka this month! You can check out the full list here.
Surplus
Today, the budget forecast was released showing our state has a $1.4 billion surplus. With these funds, House Republicans will again advocate for meaningful tax relief for families, seniors, small businesses and hardworking taxpayers.
Additionally, even though our state is once again enjoying a surplus, this will not be an irresponsible spending spree. It’s important to review every dollar allocated by state government to ensure that we are not wasting taxpayer money, and that funds are being invested wisely on government priorities—like roads and bridges, reducing health care costs and providing tax relief.
The February 2017 forecast will give us a more complete picture of our state’s economic health, and legislators will use that to plan our budget for the next biennium.
Audit of the MSFA
Some of you may have seen in the news this week that the non-partisan Office of the Legislative Auditor has opened a priority investigation into the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) and their use of two luxury suites at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Government-appointed heads of the MSFA have been treating high-profile Democrats including commissioners, elected officials and their staff to tickets, food and even free parking in the suites. They have thus far also refused to give a full list of names of those who have attended.
Transparency and accountability in state government is so important, and the legal and ethical questions raised by the use of these exclusive suites is an important one. I look forward to seeing the results of this audit and will share more when the results and recommendations of the Legislative Auditor’s report are released.
Around the District
Speaking to the crowd in attendance at the unveiling of the newly-remodeled Automotive and Manufacturing Hub
It’s been a busy week in both St. Paul and around the district. I attended the Connexus Energy Legislative Breakfast on Thursday to learn more about key energy issues of the 2017-18 legislative sessions.
I also celebrated Parker Elementary on Thursday for their national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School. Providing our kids with a world-class education is essential to not only our children’s futures, but the future of our state too, and I commend Parker Elementary on this well-deserved recognition!
Finally, at Anoka Tech this week, I toured the newly-remodeled Automotive and Manufacturing Hub. These upgrades, including improved labs and new equipment, were funded in part by the Minnesota State Legislature’s Leveraged Equipment Program which provides matching funds for donations and in-kind gifts from the tech industry. It was a pleasure to visit, tour their fantastic facilities and talk about the important work Anoka Tech is doing to provide technical education in our community.
Staying in Touch
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding anything related to state government. Even during this busy holiday season, I am here to serve you! I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Sincerely,
Abigail