Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe that summer is over as leaves have started to change color and high school homecoming games have already been won. As we begin a new school year, I want to take a moment to thank the countless teachers, school staff, and parents who dedicate so much of their time to educating the next generation. Thank you for all you do in our community and I wish you all a wonderful, safe and successful school year!
Workforce Development
A few weeks ago, I attended a graduation ceremony and tour of Avivo’s Institute of Career and Technical Education. Avivo is a non-profit organization that serves individuals across the Twin Cities through recovery, employment, and career advancement services and I was a co-author of legislation that provided job skills training and funding towards the Displaced Homemakers Program.
I have long been a supporter of legislation to help Minnesotans improve employment opportunities through skills development and career re-training, especially for displaced home workers. Minnesota has long had a reputation for its highly skilled workforce thanks to organizations like Avivo.
Other jobs bills I have authored or signed onto include providing workforce training for new American immigrants, youth skills training, access to STEM training, and providing individuals in poverty with basic education and job skills training including placement in qualifying employment opportunities.
You can read more about my visit to Avivo here.
New Laws Take Effect
As you most likely have heard, a hands-free cell phone law went into effect on August 1st. The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
This new law impacts everyone that drives a car and owns a cellphone, so I strongly encourage everyone to become familiarized with these new restrictions.
The first ticket is $50 plus court fees and the second and later tickets are $275 plus court fees.
Click here for more information about the hands-free law.
A handful of other laws went into effect in July and August including my legislation, along with Sen. Dan Hall in the Senate, that extends Metro Mobility to Lakeville. I have been working on this since I first took office and it’s great to see it finally become a reality.
Individuals with disabilities will have greater independence and opportunities thanks to this legislation and I am excited to see what the future holds for our community.
A full list of bills that became law on August 1st is available here.
Problems at DHS
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) was in the news all summer as they dealt with a number of issues including the abrupt resignations of its three top officials, allegations of retaliation against employees, impermissible payments totaling $29 million to two Minnesota tribal nations, and an additional $48 million in improper payments to institutions for mental health services.
For too long there has been a lack of leadership and direction from the executive branch. It’s clear that there are serious cultural issues at DHS and it’s the job of the Legislature to provide oversight and accountability. Nearly a million Minnesotans depend on programs offered through DHS and it’s time for DHS to provide some answers.
Local School Levy and Bond Referendum
On November 5th, there will be two ballot questions for Lakeville voters to consider when they head to the polls. The Lakeville School District is proposing a 10-year, $4.27 million annual operating levy and a $42.9 million bond that would be paid back over 13 years.
The District will be holding community information sessions to allow district residents to learn more about the proposals and I encourage folks to attend.
Information sessions will take place in Lakeville on October 21st at the Kenwood Trail Middle School auditorium and on October 28th in the Lakeville South High School auditorium. Both meetings begin at 6:15.
There is another meeting on October 14th in the Elko New Market Library Community Room beginning at 7 pm.
Visit the district website to learn more about Referendum 2019 here.
Read this story from the Lakeville Sun for more information about the ballot questions.
Staying Connected
Please continue to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns regarding state government.
Follow my Twitter or official Facebook for more frequent snapshots of what we are working on.
Jon Koznick
Assistant Minority Leader
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A