Legislative Update - October 3, 2019

Dear neighbors, 

I hope you and your family are enjoying the first days of fall! This update includes information about some things going on in our district as well as what’s been keeping me busy at the Capitol.

No Child Left Inside Update

Monday was a teacher work day for my kids’ elementary school. Instead of extra screen time, we decided to go on an “adventure” and visited William O’Brien State Park! This was our first time visiting this park, located about 30 miles northeast of Roseville. As we enjoyed our afternoon outdoors (it was even warm enough to swim!), it struck me that not all children have access to these types of adventures. If you've ever spent time with kids outside, you know how much it can change their attitude and outlook as well as provide good physical exercise. I strongly believe that all Minnesota kids should have access to these benefits and experiences.

Monday also marked the release of application information for the No Child Left Inside grant program! We were able to make this legislation reality this year, and I am so excited to see where this can go. If you work with one of the following types of organizations and have an idea for how you could put grant dollars to work getting kids outside, please learn more here.

These types of organizations are eligible for No Child Left Inside mini grants:

• Public entities (cities, counties, special purpose districts)
• Native American Tribes
• Non-profit organizations
• Formal school programs
• Informal after school programs
• Community-based and city youth programs

Bonding for The Oval

At a recent Roseville City Council meeting, I heard about how the city’s budget would be impacted without state funding for needed updates to The Oval. I’ll continue to work hard to make sure that this funding is included in the 2020 bonding bill.

The House Bonding Committee will be visiting us at The Oval next month! Stay tuned for more updates.

I-694/Rice Street Interchange Update

Construction on the I-694/Rice Street interchange will continue this fall. The old Rice Street bridge over I-694 was removed recently, and the section of North Owasso Boulevard between Soo Street and Rice Street has reopened to traffic. The new entrance ramp from Rice Street to westbound I-694 opened yesterday.

Crews are now focusing on completing the remaining on- and off-ramps. The entrance ramp from Rice Street to eastbound I-694 closed yesterday and will remain closed through summer 2020. The eastbound and westbound I-694 exit ramps to Rice Street are expected to reopen later this year.

You can sign up here to receive regular updates throughout the construction process.

Native Women’s Equal Pay Day

Native Women’s Equal Pay Day was held on September 23 this year. That date represents how long the average Native woman has to work to reach pay parity with white male peers. In other words, Native Women’s Equal Pay Day is held in September because Native women have to work for a year and nine months to reach the same pay that white men receive in one year.

You may recall that Equal Pay Day – which symbolizes how long the average American woman must work to make what her male counterparts earned the previous year – was held back on April 2. Like Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, it demonstrates that women make less than men do for the same work. However, Native Women’s Equal Pay Day draws attention to the fact that disparities are even worse for Native women and women of color.

A video I shared with my thoughts on this issue is available here. If you’d like to learn more, additional information is available here.

Minnesota Values Project

The Minnesota Values Project is an ongoing partnership between Minnesotans and elected officials. We’re working together to create a shared vision for the future of our state, and your input is an important part of this process! Please let us know what’s important to you, your community, and Minnesota by taking a short survey here. 

Share Your Input with LCCMR

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is seeking input from Minnesotans. This bipartisan commission is working on a strategic plan for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Once it’s completed, the plan will guide efforts to preserve our state’s air, water, land, wildlife, and other natural resources for the next six years. You can share your feedback by completing an anonymous survey, which is available here.

Join a Statewide Conversation about Historic Fort Snelling

Historic Fort Snelling, a 23-acre site located along the Mississippi River, has had many names over the years. The Minnesota Historical Society is asking Minnesotans to weigh in on what it should be called. You can share your opinions by taking a survey or attending one of the upcoming public meetings. More information about the survey and public meetings is available here.

Apply to Serve on the Environmental Quality Board

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board currently has an opening for a Citizen Board Member to represent the Fourth Congressional District. This is a great opportunity to become more involved in environmental issues. More information about the role is available here.  

High School Page Program

The House High School Page Program gives students an opportunity to see state government in action while spending a week at the Capitol. Current high school juniors can learn more about the program and apply here. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, November 21.

I appreciate feedback from community members, so please don’t hesitate to share any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, 

Jamie Becker-Finn 
State Representative