Dear Lakeville Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who has stopped by the Capitol to visit me this session. You’ve probably seen how busy and frantic it can be with a shorter session, but I love the fast pace and am honored to serve as your voice in St. Paul. I can sleep in June. If you want to share your opinion on any issue, please call, email, or schedule a time to visit.
Bill Hearings
We’re quickly approaching deadlines for bills to be heard in committee. This means we’re racing to have our bills heard so they can move to the next step of the process. Just this week, I had a great hearing for my bill, HF3133. This is a bipartisan bill to create a grant program to support vulnerable, trafficked, and homeless youth in the state. From Lakeville, this may seem like a faraway issue, but many times it goes unseen. These kids need our help, and I think my bill is one way to assist them.
The legislation was heard in the Health and Human Services Committee where it was passed and is one step closer to becoming law.
On Monday, I will have hearings for my bills dealing with facilitating data so Metro Mobility can leverage federal funds, and update the service area to include Lakeville. Another bill hearing will be the Minnesota Department of Transportation recommendations bill that turns back some roads to counties for better local maintenance, and other technical updates to Minnesota statutes to comply with federal “Fast Act” language.
Flooded vehicles have seeped into the state with clean auto titles and are being offered to unsuspecting buyers. I authored a bill to close a loophole to not have that reflected on the retitled cars. My bill to require the title to classify those cars as “Salvaged,” passed committee and is headed to the House floor for a vote. This is an important consumer protection measure and this bill closes an antiquated loophole in auto title standards.
School Safety Funding
As I mentioned in my last update, we’re taking the issue of school safety very seriously at the Capitol. There’s lots of differing bills, but I think we’re starting to see the most reasonable, well-thought-out proposals come to the forefront. I’m co-authoring a bill that fits a significant need regarding school safety funding.
The legislation would provide state aid on top of the property taxes school districts are already using for school safety measures. These are important funds for schools because they can be utilized toward security enhancements, licensed school social workers, or collaborating with mental health professionals.
While some proposals aim to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens, putting our efforts into improving student and school security is where we need to focus our attention this session.
Capitol Visits
The beginning of each session is always a perfect time to visit your legislator. I was happy to meet with Adam and Amy Kass and their adorable 10-month-old son, Sawyer, this week. As you can see, Sawyer was already getting comfortable at my desk on the House floor.
I was also happy to host students from All Saints Falcons Nest after-school program. The kids loved the Capitol hats almost as much as the cookies in the retiring room. I enjoyed having them visit me in St. Paul!
As always, please call or email my office if you need anything. Next week I’ll fill you in on the Governor’s supplemental budget and more of his proposed fee and tax increases! Yep, we will have that discussion again.
Have a great weekend,
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A