Dear Neighbors,
First, I want to acknowledge the shooting that happened in Roseville last Tuesday night. For those living in the neighborhood, it was scary and unsettling. I am grateful to the first responders who ran toward the danger to keep the rest of our community safe, and am hoping the injured officer makes a full recovery. Luckily, no others were injured by the gunfire. That being said, the trauma still impacts our entire community as we all try to make sense of what happened.
I also want to take this opportunity to share information about the Ramsey County community alert system. You can sign up to receive notifications via call, text or email about events related to community safety, specific to your home or work address. I heard from neighbors who were grateful to get real-time safety information last Tuesday and want to make sure everyone is aware of this program. You can sign up for future community alerts here.
Judiciary Finance Bill
The committee I chair, Judiciary Finance and Civil Law, was able to meet in person last week to pass a comprehensive omnibus finance bill. The bill funds our courts, public defense, civil legal services, and the Department of Human Rights. The goal with this budget is to make sure everyone in the state will have access to a fair and just legal system, regardless of their income or the county they live in. Read more about this important bill here.
Gun Violence Prevention
I invite you to join Rep. Kelly Moller and me at our Gun Violence Prevention Update on Monday, April 18 at 7pm. We will discuss efforts at the State Capitol to enact solutions to prevent gun violence, including expanded background checks, extreme risk protection orders, a requirement to report stolen firearms to law enforcement, safe storage requirements, and community violence prevention grants. Experts and advocates on the issue will also share updates. You can register to join us here.
Avian Influenza
There is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading through bird populations across the nation. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease. If your flock has sudden, high death rates or many birds with signs of HPAI, contact your veterinarian or the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, at 651-296-2942, right away. Learn more here.
Survey on Future of Technology at the Legislature
A bipartisan group of legislators is seeking feedback from members, staff, and stakeholders about the future use of technology at the House beyond the current session. We will be sharing this feedback with and making recommendations to the Speaker later this month. If you or a stakeholder you know testify frequently, please take/share this survey. This short survey will be open to stakeholders until the end of the day on April 12th.
Stay in Touch
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have questions or feedback that you’d like to share. You can follow me on Facebook and you can reach me by email at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7153. Also please note that I have a new assistant, Mikayla, who started earlier this month.
Please find time to go outside today and enjoy the warmer weather!