Dear Neighbors,
Sunshine and warm weather will bless all of us this weekend providing a fitting backdrop for Mother’s Day. My own mom, Carolyn, deserves a lot of credit for raising me and always being a loving, guiding hand through my formative years. And, of course, my own wife Wendy not only has been a wonderful, lifelong companion but has brought five children into my life and thus allowing me to be a Dad which has been a great gift. Happy Mother’s Day to my two special moms and to all of the moms this weekend!
This week I passed two bills off the House floor that I believe will be signed into law. The first bill prescribes that foster care parents receive one hour of fetal alcohol syndrome training inside of their 12-hour training. This bill passed with no opposition and is a testament to the legislators in St. Paul understanding that our foster care parents are doing great work and that any assistance and training we can provide is beneficial to our kids in difficult situations.
On a more complicated note, the Minnesota House passed my telecommunications regulations bill on a 122-6 vote. This is one of the most important and technical bills that I have carried during my tenure. In the State of Minnesota we have a complicated system of regulations for voice services companies. Depending on when a company began service, the regulations could change. My bill brings parity to all the providers and allows them to operate under the same rules thus leveling the competitive playing field and allowing for more consumer choice. It is one more step in bringing more services to Minnesota.
Lastly, we are in the final weeks of the session and we are in need of finalizing a transportation bill, taxes bill, and bonding bill. All three bills are alive and well in the House. We still need many grueling hours of negotiation, but I am confident we will get our bills passed before the end of session.
As always, please continue to contact me with questions, comments, or any suggestions, but on this weekend, out of respect for moms, contact me on Monday!
Enjoy the weekend, and Happy Mother’s Day!
Ron