Dear Neighbors,
Like so many of you, I was saddened and disappointed to see that the historic band shell in Smokey Bear Park in International Falls was damaged by fire last week. Unfortunately, the initial investigation shows that the fire was suspicious, and the Fire Department is working with the Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal to investigate.
Moving forward, I will continue to monitor developments as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues and stand ready to offer my support to the city officials and the community.
Earlier this week, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously approved this year’s public safety policy omnibus bill. It was great to see 130 “yes” votes light up the board as members of the House came together to approve this legislation that will help improve safety in all our communities.
The bill included all or parts of 27 corrections and public safety policy agency initiatives, bills adjusting predatory offender laws, supporting crime victims, and other miscellaneous public safety bills as well as corrections to previously passed bills.
This was a great example of both sides coming together to work on issues that will help keep our communities safe.
Conversely, I was disappointed by an elections bill that was approved on party lines this week.
Historically, any changes to election policy in Minnesota have been done with bipartisan support. This is important so that neither political party can claim an unfair advantage over the other. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as the Elections Committee did not hear a single Republican bill the entire year.
There were several concerning provisions in the bill including one that allows voters to describe where they’re living while filling out a voter registration form rather than listing an actual address.
This sort of change is a recipe for voter fraud. For example, all a person would have to do is claim that they live in the gray house near Main Street, and then they’ll be handed a ballot. No address is necessary.
The bill also does nothing to guarantee people will live in a proposed Senate or House district when it comes to redistricting; fails to stop nonprofits that receive government funds from using that money for campaigns; and fails to add safeguards that will prevent illegal immigrants from voting in Minnesota’s election.
This is a bad bill for Minnesota and the integrity of our elections. Our work is better when done together, I am extremely concerned that the majority party pushed ahead on this without any minority support.
Thanks for Visiting!
It was great to meet with local folks this week in St. Paul to discuss issues important to them. If you plan on being in St. Paul anytime soon, please reach out to my office to set up a time to meet.
Met with some folks from Minnesota Diversified Industries, Hibbing. We chatted about how challenging and rewarding it is to get folks with disabilities job opportunities in NE Minnesota. I will continue to support people and organziations who help this valued community.
I am pictured here on the range during a visit to the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training facility in Maple Grove.
This photo and the one above are from a visit to the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility. We toured the faciilty and participated in some training activities. These facilities are throughout the state and train new and seasoned officers on use of force and reality based training through virtual simulators.
Was introduced to a racehorse on the capitol steps this week thanks to a group working to preserve horse racing in Minnesota.
Township Day was this week. This is a photo of myself and other legislators at the capitol. Thanks to the Minnesota Association of Townships for all your work supporting our local townships!
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me or my office if you have any questions, or comments, or would like to discuss your priorities. You can call me at 651-296-2190 or at rep.roger.skraba@house.mn.gov.
Have a great day!
Roger