Greetings~
The pace of the 2017 legislative session is moving into high gear. Committee hearing schedules are filling up and legislation is moving.
Bills I’ve Chief Authored
On Tuesday of this week, the bill I introduced to provide some updates and reforms on the real estate appraisal licensing process passed out of the House Commerce Committee unanimously.
The bill’s next stop is the House Civil Law Committee. The reforms include updated disclosure requirements for certain crimes, when disciplinary action is required, and when legal actions against a real estate appraiser can be taken.
Sunday Off Sale Liquor Sales Passed the House
On Monday, the House of Representatives passed HF 30 on a bi-partisan vote of 85-45. The bill, if passed by the Minnesota Senate and signed into law by Gov. Dayton, would allow for the off sale of alcohol on Sundays between the hours of 10 AM & 6 PM, effective July 1, 2017.
However, the bill does not allow for the delivery of alcohol to liquor stores on Sundays. Additionally, the bill would still prohibit the sale of alcohol before 8 AM and after 10 PM on Monday through Saturday, on Thanksgiving Day, on Christmas Day, and after 8 PM on Christmas Eve.
It is expected that the senate will be taking up the matter next week.
REAL ID Passed the House
On Thursday, the House passed HF 3, which puts Minnesota in compliance with a federal law known as the REAL ID Act.
You will recall that after the attacks on 9/11, Congress passed a law requiring a REAL ID or other approved ID to travel on commercial aircraft, as well as enter certain federal facilities and military bases.
Yesterday’s vote in House moves Minnesota closer to complying with this federal regulation, which is effective January 2018.
The bill provides an alternative option for those who chose to not obtain a Minnesota REAL ID approved license by allowing them to use their current driver’s license and a passport. However, the alternative option will only be accepted for boarding planes. Some military bases and federal facilities may require a REAL ID to enter.
Welcome Representative Anne Neu!
Representative Anne Neu was sworn-in this week becoming the 134th member in the House of Representative and the 77th Republican. Rep. Neu won her special election on February 14th replacing former Representative Bob Barrett.
Constituent Meetings this Week
I had a great opportunity to meet with local students from central Minnesota who traveled to the Capitol. It is always an exciting time to visit with our youth and folks from central Minnesota when they come to St. Paul.
Sartell-St. Stephen High School TARGET Students
A number of students from Sartell-St. Stephen High School’s TARGET program joined me in St. Paul to discuss efforts and legislation to help keep our younger Minnesotans from using chemicals, such a tobacco and alcohol. Students who are members of the TARGET program are leaders in their school who pledge not to use illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.
MAAPS STARS Students – McKinley School Waite Park
One of the student groups I always look forward to visiting with are the students from MAAPS STARS at McKinley School program in Waite Park. These students for various reasons have not always experienced success in the traditional school environment, and as a result, have chosen to attend this alternative learning environment. The students shared with me how the McKinley School program has changed their lives, enhanced their educational success, and improved their leadership skills.
Dyslexia Day at the Capitol
We all know that our young people are very inquisitive and are “sponges” when it comes to learning. When you have Dyslexia, learning can be a challenge. The learning challenges are increased if Dyslexia is undiagnosed and not addressed. I was happy to host members of the Hichen Family from Sartell to learn how Dyslexia has affected students and their learning.
The legislature is working towards increasing funding for Dyslexia diagnoses and educational support systems.
Congratulations to the State Champion Sartell-St. Stephen Danceline Team
Recently, the Sartell-St. Stephen High School Danceline Team took 3rd Place in Jazz Dance and 1st Place in the High Kick competition. Way to go!
This week, one of the team’s co-captains, Rachel Ruff and her mother, Cara Ruff joined me in the House Chambers as I recognized the dance team’s accomplishments.
What’s on Tap for Next Week?
Wednesday, March 1, 2017, Minnesotans will learn the results from the “February Forecast.” The results of this forecast will be used by the legislature to establish the state’s budget for the next two years.
Fun Fact of the Week:
Today in 1955, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was born. Mr. Jobs was a visionary in the technology world and a pioneer in the development of the personal computer.
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Sincerely,
