Dear Friends,
Happy Friday to you all! It was another busy week with mostly committee work at the Capitol.
A BILL TO CREATE TERM LIMITS
With the goal of improving the way state government functions, I have chief authored legislation proposing a constitutional amendment be submitted to Minnesota voters to add term limits to members of the legislature and executive offices of Minnesota.
There are pros and cons to term limits, but I believe my bill finds a good happy medium within those arguments.
Under the legislation, no person could serve more than 20 years in the Minnesota Legislature - the House, Senate, or a combination of the two. In addition, no person could serve more than 2 four-year terms as governor, lieutenant governor, state auditor, attorney general, or secretary of state. Terms ending before or in 2023 would not be counted.
If the bill is approved, the language presented to voters during the 2022 general election would read: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to place limits on the terms of office of state legislators and executive officers?"
I believe this legislation allows ample time for office holders to develop and utilize the experience and understanding necessary to do a good job serving our communities and state. At the same time, it would inhibit the development of career politicians - something I do not believe our country's founders ever intended - and bring more opportunity to the many great individuals and untapped leadership potential in our local communities.
ALBERT LEA DRIVERS EXAM STATION MAY BE CLOSING!
The Minnesota Drivers Vehicle Services division is seriously contemplating having only regional driver's exam stations so that examiners would have less time on the road. In all likelihood, our Albert Lea exam station would be closed and residents living in Freeborn County would have to travel to either Austin or Mankato for their road test and also the written test if unable to take it online. This is not a decision being made by our local officials or the legislature. It is a state agency decision.
I will be contacting Commissioner Harrington with my concerns. I would value your input on this issue. Please email me at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn.
COVID-19 VACCINE CONNECTOR AVAILABLE
Some good news for those who are currently ineligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. The Minnesota Department of Health has created an online 'Vaccine Connector' that can provide information about when, where, and how you can get the vaccine - and will also tell you when it's your turn to receive your shot. Click here to learn more.
Those eligible to get vaccinated right now - people over the age of 65, health care workers, and teachers - do not have to wait for information from the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector before getting their shot. They should contact their health care provider or employer for further information.
Have a good weekend,
Peggy