Dear Neighbors,
Believe it or not, it’s already time for school to start up again! Where did the summer go? While many Minnesotans may not be pondering state policy at this time of year, parents should be encouraged as they send their children back to school this fall.
The 2015 legislature was able to pass a bipartisan plan aimed at assisting our students, teachers, and local schools. From increased funding for early learning scholarships and school readiness programs, to more hands-on teaching opportunities thanks to decreased mandated testing, our children will be in a better place to succeed in the classroom. Our bipartisan education plan is devoted to improving student achievement while empowering our teachers.
As the year gets underway, I’d like to wish our teachers, parents, and, of course, our students good luck and happy learning!
Bonding Tour Visits Coon Rapids
Recently, the House Capital Investment Committee took a tour around the state to view potential bonding projects. One important stop for our area was at the Hanson Boulevard train crossing. As many of you know, this is an extremely condensed intersection, which only gets worse when traffic is halted to let the trains pass.
I attended this meeting to see what can be done to improve this stretch of road. I found it very interesting when our first responders demonstrated how they could be delayed if a lengthy train was cutting off traffic during an emergency situation. In the short time that we were viewing the potential project, two trains halted traffic in the north and southbound lanes. If there was an emergency, this would have wasted valuable minutes of a person in need.
One solution being proposed is to create a bridge for traffic to travel over the train tracks, increasing safety while decreasing congestion and the need to wait for trains to pass. But with over $3 billion in bonding requests from local governments and other organizations, we’ll have to wait and see if this project is included in the final bill next session.
As one of the Department of Transportation’s top priorities, I am extremely hopeful that this project will receive funding. Taxpayers expect their hard-earned dollars to be spent on important projects, like this one, that provide safer roads, bridges, and railroad crossings. I will continue to work to gain support and funding for this vital development.
Around Town
On Saturday, I was able to attend a neighborhood gathering and interact with area residents. If you are hosting a barbeque, party, or get-together and would like me to attend, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Meeting and chatting with my constituents is an invaluable asset to being an effective legislator for the people of 35B.
Coming up on September 12 is the City of Ramsey’s Happy Days celebration. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. and will wrap up at 11:00 p.m., highlighted by the parade at 3:00 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m. The event will be located at 7550 Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey. I hope to see you there!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns relating to state government, please contact my office at (651) 296-4231, or Rep.Peggy.Scott@house.mn.
Best,
Peggy