(Jamie enjoying the last weeks of winter on a frozen lake with her daughter)
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been another busy week here in St. Paul! Thank you to everyone who has come to visit me at the Capitol. It is incredibly helpful to meet face-to-face to learn about the issues that you care about.
Meet House File 3348: No Child Left Inside
Children now spend more time each day staring at screens and not getting enough exercise. In addition, the trends for young people participating in fishing and hunting have gone down over time. We know that spending more time outdoors and being physically active are good for children’s development. This bipartisan bill would create a grant program through the Department of Natural Resources to fund “outdoor environmental, ecological and other natural resource-based” programs for youth. As a parent and someone who loves being out in nature, I am excited about the opportunities this bill could create for Minnesota’s youth!
MinnesotaCare Buy-In
Last week Governor Dayton held a press conference to push for the MinnesotaCare Buy-In. This option would greatly expand affordable health insurance options for many Minnesotans, especially those in Greater Minnesota. By paying their own way and increasing competition, the MinnesotaCare Buy-In would save all Minnesotans money and allow more people to access good healthcare coverage. I am proud to be a co-author of the bill (HF 1175) that would put this program in to place.
Read more about Governor Dayton’s renewed push to pass the buy-in.
Veterans Day at the Capitol
Last reminder that veterans and their supporters are encouraged to come to the Capitol to rally in support of Veterans on March 12th! This year’s event will focus on legislation that will help surviving spouses keep their homes, stopping predatory lending against veteran’s benefits, and increasing access to the outdoors for disabled vets.
What: Veterans Day on the Hill
When: March 12th, 2018
Events:
Pre-Rally with free breakfast from 8:00 to 9:45 a.m. (5th floor of the Veteran’s Services Building)
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (Capitol)
Meetings with regional legislators from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Capitol rooms 316 and 317A for our area)
This year there will also be a park-and-ride from the Roseville VFW! For more info and to reserve a seat, contact trent@davmn.org I hope to see you there!
Hydrant Heroes and Fire Safety
I recently asked the Roseville Fire Department for any tips and reminders for residents. Here is what they shared:
- As we (finally) reach the end of winter, remember to be a “Fire Hydrant Hero”! Help our local fire departments and keep your neighbors safe by shoveling three feet in all directions around your neighborhood fire hydrant. Keeping hydrants clear of snow could save precious minutes in an emergency.
- Remember to check your carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and replace them if they are 10 years old or older. Make sure exterior exhaust vents from furnaces are free from snow and ice.
- Unattended cooking is one of the most common causes of home fires. Never leave cooking unattended. Walking away for even a moment can be dangerous.
You can find more fire safety tips and preparedness info at the Red Cross and the NFPA.
Jamie in the News
Much of the work I do at the Capitol does not make it in the news. The past two weeks have been an exception, with my work featured in various media outlets. Here are some links to recent news stories.
Column: Time Away from Capitol Informs Decisions
Vadnais Press: Legislator Lingo
Reducing gun violence
Mankato Free Press: Our View: Political group deceptive in gun testimony
Fox 9: House committee hearing over gun bills draws hundreds
Pioneer Press: Gun control bills tabled — surprising few, but with all eyes on November
Working towards preventing sexual harassment
Pioneer Press: House of Representatives’ sexual harassment training? Women members pan it
MinnPost: At the Capitol, Minnesota lawmakers grapple with addressing sexual harassment — at the Capitol
Stopping violence against Indigenous Women
Indian Country Today: Native Legislators in Minnesota Call For Task Force to Stop Violence Against Indigenous Women
New Look for Legislative Updates
In the coming weeks, we will be changing the platform for these legislative updates. The format will change a bit but the content will remain the same. I wanted to give you a heads up!
As always, it is an honor to represent our community at the State Capitol. If there is ever a way I can be of assistance or if you have questions or concerns, please contact me at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or at 651-296-7153.
Sincerely,
Jamie
