Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Labor Day is on Monday and, with it, the State Fair is coming to an end and schools will be in full swing! Where did the summer go?
Like many of you, I have been getting kids settled into college, buying school supplies for the daughter still at home and to donate, and otherwise gearing up for fall!
I hope you enjoy the last few days of summer with your family and friends!
I-94 Construction Overview
I am pleased to be able to host officials from the MN Dept. of Transportation (MnDOT) for a Community Meeting on Thursday, September 26th! Please join us to learn about what the upcoming 3-year construction project will mean for our community.
MnDOT officials will be on hand answer questions about what we can expect in terms of closures, lane changes, and how this 3-year project will affect your business, clients or commute! Please attend if you are able, it will be a very informative event.
More Trouble at DHS
This week brought new revelations of mismanagement and possible fraud at DHS. The federal government told the Minnesota Department of Human Services it must repay $48 million it improperly dealt out, bringing the total to $73 million in improper payments made by DHS. This week also brought the resignation of Claire Wilson, one of the Deputy Commissioners who had previously resigned, then rescinded her resignation, and now has resigned again – all without explanation.
Although I have personally and as part of a group, called for the House HHS Policy Committee to hold hearings on the issues at DHS, I have not yet received a response.
Thankfully, the Senate held its first hearing on August 13 and has a second hearing scheduled for next week. It is our constitutional obligation to provide oversight of the Administration and both the House and Senate should fulfill this responsibility. It is imperative that we get to the root of the problems at DHS so they can be fixed and we can ensure that taxpayers and clients are being well-served by the state’s largest agency.
State Fair
I spent a day at the Fair with my family and a day at the non-partisan House Information booth in the Education Building. I loved talking to people and hearing their views on important issues facing our state.
People who stopped by our booth took an issue survey and the public can see the non-scientific results on Tuesday, September 3rd, at www.house.mn. Because the survey was open to everyone, it was taken by people of all ages and people who were visiting from other states. It is still instructive on what issues are most important to voters and we are glad everyone stopped by to participate!
July Jobs Report
Minnesota's most recent Jobs Report showed a slight decline compared to last year, for the month of July. Minnesota's unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.4 percent, which was a significant increase over the 2.8 percent we had one year ago. All of our surrounding states have slightly lower unemployment rates that Minnesota, including Wisconsin, which is at 3.0 percent. Employers surveyed lost 1,300 jobs while the household survey found 5,398 more were employed in July.
Back To School
The beginning of the school year is right around the corner. As you stock up on school supplies, remember to save your receipts in order to take advantage of Minnesota’s tax credits and subtractions for education expenses. I played a key role in getting this law passed back in 1997 and am very pleased to see this program is still helping Minnesota families 22 years later!
You can check on the Department of Revenue’s website to determine which expenses qualify.
I also would like to wish all the students and teachers a wonderful year as schools get started after Labor Day! Study hard, have fun and enjoy every minute – these fun years go by so fast!
Photos from the Week
Rep. Robbins attended the MN Retailers Association to discuss the many issues concerning small businesses and labor shortage are affecting our state.
Rep. Robbins touring The Social, a co-working space in Rogers
Rep. Robbins took the Rogers Ambassadors on a tour of our beautiful State Capitol and talked about career and leadership opportunities in public service.
Bought a new Twins shirt at the Fair! This is our year!
Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance. My office phone number is 651-296-7806 or by email at rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. My office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 225.
Have a great summer!
Kristin
Like and follow my Facebook Page for updates throughout the week: Facebook.com/RepKristinRobbins