Dear Neighbors,
Today is the second deadline for our committee process with one more still to go. We’re hearing some great bills, and I’m encouraged with the direction our state is headed. I wanted to keep you up-to-date on how things are going at the Capitol.
$10 Million Savings
Yesterday, I presented my bipartisan bill HF2138, to the State Government Finance Committee. The bill makes changes to MN.IT including the consolidation of data centers, moving certain functions to the cloud, and reducing the labor need within the department. Overall, the legislation could save $10 million for Minnesota taxpayers. And coupled with an increased effort for CyberSecurity that needs to take place just like the private sector, we can make great advances for the maturity of IT and data security for all Minnesotans’ information
My private sector background is as an owner of an IT firm, and I’m happy to present this bipartisan initiative to bring our state’s IT infrastructure into the 21st Century. By using technological advances to streamline how MN.IT services our state, we can have a more effective use of technology while saving money for hardworking taxpayers. The bill passed committee and could be included in the omnibus bill.
Vocational Training Bill
You might remember, I introduced legislation to increase vocational apprenticeship options in Minnesota high schools. Many students don’t plan on attending college, and therefore don’t need to take classes like PSEO to gain college credit. My bill creates a pilot program in 10 schools to help students interested in being an apprentice in a trade and gives them an opportunity to gain skills and high school credit simultaneously. The bill has wide bipartisan support, and recently passed the Job Growth Committee. As we’re putting together our larger bills, I’m hopeful this bill will be included.
Sesquicentennial Farm Application
The Minnesota Farm Bureau's Sesquicentennial Farm program is looking to honor family farms that have been running for over 150 years. If you know of a family farm who could be eligible, please click here for more information. I know some farms in our area would be great candidates, and look forward to seeing the honorees.
Please Contact Me
Every day in St. Paul is a great opportunity to meet with citizens from our area who are advocating for their cause. I welcome your thoughts and ideas, and want to know what you think on any topic we’re discussing. I’m here to serve you, and hope you’ll call, email, or schedule a time to come to St. Paul to visit.
Enjoy your weekend,
Jim