Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying our winter warm-up! Before you head outside to enjoy your weekend, I wanted to pass along a couple items from the Capitol.
March For Life
This afternoon, I took part in the Minnesota Citizens Concerns for Life (MCCL) March For Life rally in St. Paul. I’m proud to be an advocate for the unborn and take a stand as a pro-life legislator. It was encouraging to see so much support at the rally as numerous legislators and hundreds of citizens joined together to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Privacy Bills
On Tuesday, I joined a group of bipartisan legislators from the House and Senate to unveil a package of six bills meant to protect the privacy of Minnesotans. Protecting the privacy of our citizens is a top priority of the Legislature. With technology advancing so quickly, it’s important we take steps to ensure that your private data and information is safe.
The first bill I presented addresses Student Information Systems (SIS) privacy. The bill would ensure that the detailed personal information stored on students is kept safe, while retaining the benefits of the SIS. Our schools keep detailed information on students ranging from social security numbers to disciplinary actions. I want to ensure this information is protected and used only by qualified school officials, and not accessed by third parties.
The second bill I presented is designed to protect student privacy when using a personal computing device provided by the school. In some districts, third parties provide tablets or laptops for student use. The third party can then track usage and possible remotely monitor the student or device. This is an important bill to give students privacy when using a computer or tablet from their school. These are beneficial tools, but shouldn’t be used to gather personal information on or market to our children.
I’m scheduled to appear on TPT Almanac next Friday, January 29, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss these bills. Be sure to tune in!
Around Town
The fun in our area doesn’t take a break during the winter. Just last night, Coon Rapids kicked off their Winter Concert Series with a Johnny Cash tribute show. The next performance is set to take place on Thursday, February 11. Click here for more information on the upcoming concerts.
It looks like the recent warmer weather is here for the time being, which means we can spend more time enjoying the outdoors. A new ice skating trail just opened up at the Coon Rapids Ice Center. This is about a half-mile of skating trail, and is a great activity for all ages.
Next weekend, Sunday, January 31, marks Family Fun Day, also at the Coon Rapids Ice Center. Starting at 3:30, Family Fun Day features sleigh rides, games, and a bonfire. Be sure to bring the family to enjoy this opportunity!
If you are interested in getting alerts from the City of Andover for such things as community events, road closures etc. you can sign up at this link: http://www.andovermn.gov/list.aspx
Also, Andover is home to four ice rinks with warming houses:
- City Hall Complex Outdoor Rink
- Crooked Lake Elementary School
- Hawkridge Park
- Prairie Knoll Park
All warming houses are open Monday-Thursday from 4-8:30 pm, Friday from 4-8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1-8:00 pm.
The 2016 session is just around the corner, and I welcome any ideas or suggestions you have. If you would like to contact me, please call 651-296-4231 or email me at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
Peggy