Constituents visiting for Green Industry Day at the Capitol
Students from the University of St. Thomas and St. Kate’s visiting for Private Colleges Day at the Capitol
Legislative Update
HF 2206
Today, I had a hearing on HF 2206 in the Veterans Affairs Committee. The bill will designate May 14 of each year as Southeast Asian Allies Veterans Day in Minnesota.
It honors the Southeast Asian people who served, suffered, sacrificed, or died in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War in the years 1961 to 1975 in support of the armed forces of the United States, and recognizes the significance of May 14, 1975, the last day of airlift evacuation of officers and their families from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand. The bill was laid over in committee as we work with stakeholders to gather more input.
HF 1661
On Tuesday, I had a hearing on HF 1661. This bill would provide state aid for late-arriving English Learners to stay in the graduation incentives program an additional year to earn their diploma. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future bill.
REAL ID Update
On Monday, the Minnesota Senate rejected the Real ID bill (38-29). The House previously passed the measure and included anti-immigrant language to prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining legal driver’s licenses. There is a January 2018 federal deadline to have the agreement in place; without it, anyone boarding an airplane or visiting a military facility will have to use a passport or enhanced driver’s license. I am closely monitoring the issue and will continue to advocate for a clean Real ID bill that allows Minnesotans to continue traveling with ease into 2018.
I-94 Construction Projects Update
Yesterday, I met the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to discuss transportation projects that will impact our district.
I-94 project from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Center
The project resurfaces the freeway and repairs bridges on I-94 from Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis to Shingle Creek Parkway in Brooklyn Center. This project will maintain the existing pavement and bridges for about 12 to 15 years and cost approximately $46.3 million. The project schedule is expected to start this month through late-July 2018. More information about this project can be found here.
Rethinking I-94 Project
During the next two years, MnDOT will be working with neighborhoods, community groups, district councils, local governments and others interested in the future of I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul. I encourage neighbors to reach out to MnDOT to provide input throughout this process. More information about this project can be found here.
Capitol Student Essay Contest
Minnesota students are encouraged to submit essays celebrating the historic State Capitol. According to Governor Dayton’s official website, K-12 students are asked to describe, in their own words, what the Minnesota State Capitol means to them.
Essay contest winners will be invited to share their essays as part of the State Capitol Grand Opening festivities August 11-13, 2017. Minnesota students in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit essays explaining how the State Capitol has shaped our collective past and will impact future generations.
More information on the Contest from the Governor’s website:
About the State Capitol Essay Contest
The re-opening of the historic Minnesota State Capitol is an opportunity for Minnesotans from every corner of the state and all walks of life to celebrate “My Minnesota Capitol.” As part of the re-opening festivities, Minnesota students are asked to consider the following prompts and craft an essay about one of them:
- My Minnesota Capitol. Your Minnesota Capitol. Everybody’s Capitol. Everyone who works or visits the Capitol uses and views it in different ways. What does the Capitol building mean to you? What do you think it represents for Minnesotans from different backgrounds, and why is it important to remember that the Capitol building is designed for every Minnesotan?
- A Place to Remember History and for History in the Making. Many historical and symbolic moments have occurred at the State Capitol, and it will be the site of more history-making events in years to come. What is one of the most important events that occurred at the State Capitol? How do you think our state Capitol will continue to serve Minnesota as our state keeps changing, and what do you think might occur at the Capitol that will impact the future of Minnesota?
For more details, click here.
I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Also, I am available during select hours on Monday and Friday mornings most weeks for in-district meetings, if Northside residents aren’t able to make it to the Capitol. If you would like to send me a message or set up an in-district meeting, you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4262 or by email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!