Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July with friends and family and are enjoying this beautiful summer! I’ve enjoyed the many great opportunities to connect with many of you at the townhall meetings, Maple Grove Days, and other events.
I also continue to work on substantive issues, including calling for a public hearing to get to the bottom of the chaos at DHS – more on that below.
In this update, I want to make sure you aware of the changes in the new hands-free driving law that will take effect on August 1st.
I hope this information is useful! Feel free to reach out with your questions or concerns!
Chaos at DHS & the Need for Transparency
The hasty, unexplained departures of the top four officials at the Department of Human Services (DHS) in the past week—and then two of them “rescinding” their resignations— is deeply concerning and reveals a significant level of chaos at our largest state agency.
Getting to the bottom of the issues at DHS will require transparency from the Walz Administration. Legislators and the public need to know what went wrong so we can figure out how to make this important government agency eliminate fraud and abuse of taxpayers’ dollars and work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
As a member of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, I have called for public hearings on these unexplained departures. DHS controls 30% of the state budget and is the largest part of state spending when federal funds are included. They are responsible for spending $17.5 billion and serve 1.2 million Minnesotans.
We need answers and accountability now. This cannot wait until the legislature reconvenes in February.
Hands-Free Law
The Hands-Free Law goes into effect on August 1st. The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
At no time may a driver hold the phone in their hand unless it’s to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.
More information about the new law is available here.
Apply Now for Workforce Development Scholarships
This year, the Legislature approved a $7 million appropriation to the program. These scholarships are targeted to students entering the college in these areas: Agriculture, Early Childhood Education, Health Care, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation.
These scholarships are available at ALL Minnesota State campuses, so I encourage all parents and interested students to look into this great opportunity to support your education and career interests!
Scholarships are available for this upcoming fall semester with many deadlines in early August. To learn more, click here.
Photos from the Summer
Rep. Robbins toured a construction site in Maple Grove with Doran Companies and
Associated Builders and Contractors and discussed the labor shortage and housing affordability.
Rep. Robbins at the dedication for the new Veterans’ Memorial in Central Park. Thanks to the amazing leadership of the Osseo/Maple Grove American Legion Post 172, the Maple Grove Yellow Ribbon Network, and the Maple Grove Lions.
Rep. Robbins at Maple Grove Days!
Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance. My office phone number is 651-296-7806 or by email at rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. My office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 225.
Have a great summer!
Kristin
Like and follow my Facebook Page for updates throughout the week: Facebook.com/RepKristinRobbins