Dear Neighbors,
Please join Senator Jason Isaacson and me for a Town Hall Meeting this Saturday, February 11th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Vadnais Heights City Hall (800 County Rd E East, Vadnais Heights). Senator Isaacson and I will share updates about the first weeks of session and answer questions. A staff person from the Department of Revenue will also be present to help answer any questions you may have as you prepare to file your taxes.
Please feel free to forward this email to a neighbor so they know what’s going on and to sign up for future updates here.
694 / Rice Street Interchange Update
As many of you are likely aware, it has been known for a long time that the bridge at Rice Street and 694 needs to be replaced. I introduced a bill in the first week of this legislative session to secure that necessary funding.
Related, but separate, to the replacement of the bridge, Ramsey County is currently in the planning stages to redevelop the intersections connecting the area around the bridge. Several potential plans have been released, including plans to install round-abouts. I have heard from many of you who are concerned about these plans, particularly the practicality of installing round-abouts. I want to let you know that I hear you. I have been in regular contact with other legislators and elected officials regarding this project. I also encourage you to attend an open house regarding the project on Tuesday, February 21 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Vadnais Heights Commons (655 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights).
Veterans Affairs Division
One of the three committee’s that I sit on is the Veterans Affairs Division. While there may be deep philosophical divisions in some areas of state policy and the budget, this committee is one where we all have a common goal, which is to ensure that veterans are taken care of. Working together with my Republican colleagues is one of the things you sent me here to do and I’m happy to report there are lots of opportunities for that, especially in this committee.
Two of the bills I’ve signed onto are HF 368 and HF 728. HF 368 makes it illegal for people to sign away veteran’s benefits or beneficiary pay and HF 728 will provide assistance for veteran’s nursing home expenses, programs to prevent homelessness, and assistance to prevent domestic violence.
Come Visit!
I continue to meet with constituents regarding many issues, on a daily basis, both in St. Paul and closer to home. If you are interested in meeting in person, or just want to visit our beautifully restored Capitol building, please let me know and I would be happy to help facilitate that. In particular, I encourage you to bring your children. I believe it is important for kids to grow up knowing they are welcome to engage with our legislature and the legislative process.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concerns you have.
Sincerely,
Jamie