Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy first two weeks of session, and I wanted to send you a short update before the weekend.
GPS Tracking
You might remember from last week’s update, we held hearings in the Civil Law Committee to address the Department of Public Safety’s (possibly unconstitutional) tracking of Minnesotans with an ignition interlock system. Obviously it’s disconcerting that our state government would want or need to track our residents, and it’s important for the public to know if their privacy is being violated. DPS never held meetings on this controversial program. If DPS wants to install location-tracking devices in cars, they first need a warrant, or should have brought this program to the Legislature for public hearing and discussion. Instead, their sly usurpation of power is causing concern in our state.
I introduced a bill yesterday, HF 179, to prohibit the state from using location tracking with the ignition interlock system. There’s no logical reason the state would need to know the whereabouts of our citizens. On top of that, there’s big concerns of how this data is stored and who could access it. We’ll be hearing this bipartisan bill in the Civil Law Committee, and I welcome any public input on this important issue.
Hanson Blvd. Train Crossing
I’m co-authoring a bill, HF 207, to fund a rail grade crossing separation at Hanson Blvd. in Coon Rapids. With the rail crossing, this is a busy stretch of road and we have to make sure it’s safe. This is another bipartisan initiative. If there’s a bonding bill in this session or the next, I’ll continue to advocate for this project’s inclusion.
Snowflake Days
Be sure to put Coon Rapids Snowflake Days on your calendar! The event is from January 26 until February 12 at locations around the city. There’s plenty of activities for all ages, and I hope you and your loved ones will take part. If you need more information about events and times, please click here.
Please Contact Me
As always, I’m interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by email at Rep.Peggy.Scott@House.MN or contact my office at 651-296-4231. You can also send me mail to my office address: 437 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Sincerely,
Peggy