Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying our winter warm-up! Between the nice weather and a big Vikings win last week, it’s a good time to be a Minnesotan. On that topic, good luck to our Vikes in the NFC Championship Game this weekend. House Republicans recorded a short video to cheer on our team here. Skol!
Religious Freedom
This week, I joined other legislators at an event to support religious freedom in our country. One of the very best things about our nation is the freedom to worship or believe whatever religion you adhere to, as long as you’re not infringing on someone else’s rights. It’s one of our founding principles, and one I hold dear to my heart. Here’s a photo from the event.
Amazon Bid
On Thursday, it was announced that the Twin Cities were not one of the 20 finalists still in the running to be home to Amazon’s second headquarters. It's disappointing that Minnesota's bid fell short while fellow high-tax states like New Jersey and Illinois made it to the final 20. Minnesota will continue to lose out on these opportunities unless we make our business climate more competitive. I don’t support handouts for individual businesses, but would like to see our state make it easier for entrepreneurs to create good-paying jobs right here in our state.
Now that we’re no longer in the running, I think the public deserves to know the details of Minnesota’s bid for Amazon’s second headquarter site, as well as information about their partnership with a group called Greater MSP and their role in the bidding process.
Family Law
One of the most important subjects we deal with in the legislature relates to family law. Recently, I joined Rep. Eric Lucero to talk about this topic that needs much reform to make it more fair for children and both their parents. You can see the video here.
Panel Discussion
Earlier today, I took part in a panel with the Economic Development Association of Minnesota to discuss what we accomplished related to economic development last session, and where we're headed this year. I spoke to the fact that we need to create a more business-friendly climate here in Minnesota. We're a high-tax state, and also impose too many regulations. We've seen businesses get bogged down by both of these, and end up packing up and taking jobs to other states. We made strides last session, and I look forward to continuing this discussion when we resume session in February.
Career Fair
I mentioned it a couple months ago, but the Anoka County Career Fair is coming up on Wednesday, February 7. The event at Anoka Technical College is open from 10-11am for high school and college students and 11am-2pm for the general public. This is a great chance to explore new careers, or simply see what opportunities are out there. Here’s a link to more information.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Every Thursday at Sand Creek Park in Coon Rapids there’s Family Skate Night from 5-8:30pm. The warming house is open and there’s even concessions if you get too cold. Bring the kids out for an outdoor skate!
Please Contact Me
With session starting next month, I’d love to hear from you with any ways I can be of service. Feel free to call or email my office and I’ll get right back to you.
Have a great weekend, and Skol Vikings!
Peggy