Dear Neighbors,
I hope you all stayed safe during the snowstorm earlier this week. As warmer weather moves in, things are heating up at the Capitol as well. Here’s a quick update from St. Paul:
City Representative Meetings
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with city representatives from our district. Officials from Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Spring Lake Park stopped by as part of the North Metro Mayor’s Association Day at the Capitol. I always appreciate hearing ideas and input from local officials and city leaders.
Prohibiting Handheld Phone Use While Driving
Using mobile phones – whether texting or talking – while driving has resulted in too many crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Minnesota. It’s time to offer a responsible legislative response to this distracting, dangerous behavior.
I support HF 1180, which would ban all handheld use of cellphones and other electronic devices while driving. This bill has broad bipartisan support and is one of the issues I hear about consistently from my constituents. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted driving is to blame for 25 percent of vehicle crashes in our state. Let’s get this done.
School Safety
This week, Gov. Dayton unveiled a $21 million proposal for increasing the safety of our schools in Minnesota. The funding could be used by schools for enhanced security features like bulletproof glass and more secure entrances. Gov. Dayton’s measure includes $5 million for more school-based mental health programs.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts and concerns.
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative