Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update from St. Paul.
Senator Rarick
On Wednesday, February 13, former Representative Jason Rarick was sworn-in to the Minnesota Senate after winning a special election on February 5. The Republicans in the Senate previously had a one-seat majority; Senator Rarick’s election means they now have a two-seat majority. It was an honor to stand with him as he took his oath of office.
Sovereignty Day
Today, representatives met in the House Chamber for educational presentations from the eleven sovereign nations in Minnesota. Tribal leaders and presenters provided information about topics of interest to tribal nations, pending legislation, and how the Minnesota Government can work with their governments. It was a full, informative day and I appreciate the time everyone devoted to helping us build a stronger understanding of these issues.
Additional Appointments for the 2019-2020 Biennium
Each biennium, legislators have additional opportunities to serve on legislative and governmental organizations in addition to the House Committees. I was excited to learn that this biennium I have been appointed to the Legislative Energy Commission (LEC), the Subcommittee on Employee Relations, the Interstate Adult Offender Supervision Advisory Board, and the State Advisory Council for the Interstate Compact for Juveniles.
Probation Reform
My bill to expand grants to offer chemical dependency treatment in lieu of prison sentences for non-violent drug offenders who are being sent back to prison for technical offenses was heard in the Public Safety Committee last week. The press conference held by legislators working on community centered Public Safety can be found here.
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As always, if you need assistance on an issue pertaining to state government or have concerns or ideas about legislation, my office is available to you. You can e-mail at Rep.Marion.ONeill@House.MN or call my office at 651-296-5063. You can also write a letter to me. My office address at the Capitol is 357 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Sincerely,
Marion