Friends and neighbors, With less than a month of the legislative session left, our work in committees is wrapping up and nights on the House Floor have been growing longer. Our focus has shifted to putting together budget bills to build upon last year’s historic progress. I’m proud to have several bills set to be included in these packages. In the Higher Education package, my legislation to establish a statewide coordinator to work with community colleges and Head Start programs to establish partnerships is included. This legislation would also leverage partnerships to help grow the early care and education workforce, something that is desperately needed all across the state. In the Elections package, my bill to ensure PACs that spend on local races (think school board and city council) will have to file, register, and disclose information the same as they do for state races is included. Minnesotans deserve to know who is spending to influence local elections, and this bill will provide needed transparency in local elections. In the Tax package, a bill I authored to ensure that every community receives its fair share is included. This bill is still making its way through committee, but if passed, it would close a loophole that currently allows online travel companies (think Expedia, Hotels.com, etc.) to dodge local lodging taxes. Local lodging taxes benefit the communities they’re collected in; here in Bloomington, those funds go directly to city operations as well as to promoting tourism. This fix is long overdue, and will ensure that online travel companies are paying what they should – and will benefit over 100 communities across the state, including Bloomington. Take My Legislative Survey!One of the best tools I have in setting my legislative priorities is YOU! That’s why I’m inviting you to take my legislative survey, open now through July 1. TAKE THE SURVEY  Free Park Day Get your hiking boots ready -- Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!  Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers. You can find the full list of vacancies here. |