Dear Friends & Neighbors,
I hope you are enjoying all of this beautiful summer weather! It is hard to believe it is already August! I am one of those moms who is always in denial about sending my kids back to school – I love having them home for the summer, even though it can be chaotic! There is a whole month of summer left – let’s get out there and enjoy it!
National Night Out
A great way to get out and celebrate summer and our communities is to go to your neighborhood or city National Night Out party! Dayton, Rogers and Maple Grove are all have multiple festivities and it is a fun way to get to know your neighbors better. Here are a few highlights:
Rogers:
- City-wide Gathering from 5:00-9:00 at North Community Park (13750 Bittersweet Lane, Rogers)
- Pre-party for all from 11:00-2:00 at Cub Foods with food and sponsored by the Rogers Police and Fire Departments and Cub Foods
- Donations are being accepted at both events for Friends of Safe Schools (FOSS MN) and non-perishable food items for CROSS Food Shelf
- Details are linked here.
Maple Grove:
- Kick-off Party at Maple Grove Community Center from 11:00-1:00 with food and kid-friendly activities, hosted by Maple Grove Police & Fire Depts.
- Evening Neighborhood Gatherings - register your NNO party by contacting Officer Todd Strege, Crime Prevention Officer at tstrege@maplegrovemn.gov
- Residents are encouraged to bring backpacks filled with school supplies for CROSS Services backpack drive – see photos below!
Dayton:
Hands-Free Law
The Hands-Free Law goes into effect TODAY, 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.
E-Cigs and other new laws
Starting today, August 1, e-cigar e-cigarettes can no longer be used indoors where cigarette smoking is already prohibited statewide. Until today, there had been a patch-work of local ordinances dealing with e-cigarettes.
Among the other laws going into effect are EpiPen administration, racially restrictive covenants on property titles, predatory offender penalties, and license plate fee increases. A full list of laws going into effect is available here.
DHS Turmoil Update
On Tuesday, I joined my fellow 54 House Republicans sending a letter to House Speaker Melissa Hortman, requesting hearings on the ongoing turmoil at DHS during the upcoming "mini-session" scheduled for October 2-4 in Winona
As a member of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, it is our duty to provide oversight of the Department of Health & Human Services and I do not believe we can wait to perform this oversight function until the Legislature reconvenes in February 2020.
The Mini-Session provides us a perfect opportunity to discuss changes at DHS and update the public on the changes at our largest state agency.
We are obligated, as elected representatives, to ensure DHS has identified and corrected the issues that have created this turmoil and that it has a transparent strategic plan with measurable metrics for addressing the problems within programs, contracts, and management.
Earlier this week, I also sent a letter with my GOP colleagues on the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee to Chair Rena Moran to request our House committee hold hearings on the issues at the Department of Human Services.
I have not had any reply from Chair Moran, but I am pleased to see the Senate HHS Committees will hold a joint hearing on August 13th. I will continue to work to get the facts and perform the oversight duties required of the Legislature to ensure that citizens are well-served and taxpayer money is well-spent.
Civil Air Patrol
I was honored to join the Legislative Squadron of the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol last week. This all-volunteer force provides essential emergency services, such as search and rescue operations, and disaster-relief throughout the state. They also provide aerospace education and run a cadet program to develop young leaders with an interest in aeronautics. Last year they provided more than $5 million in volunteer time/service to the state of Minnesota. I was fortunate to be able to take an orientation flight over District 34A last week!
Rep. Robbins on her Civil Air Patrol orientation flight over District 34A!
Photos from the Week
Rep. Robbins at a reception for the new President of the MN High Tech Association
Rep. Robbins at Family Fun Day sponsored by ISD 728 Community Education
Rep. Robbins welcoming new University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel
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