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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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Legislative Update (2-27-15)

Friday, February 27, 2015

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to the individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to visit me in St. Paul this week. Visiting this week was Princeton Superintendent Julia Espe, local daycare providers, county officials and friends. It is important for me to learn your thoughts and concerns and I strongly encourage you visit if you have not had a chance to do so.

Protecting our Most Vulnerable

House File 8, authored by Rep. Ron Kresha, passed off the House floor on a unanimous 130-0 vote on Monday. HF 8 makes policy changes to Minnesota's child protection system. The changes in this bill are two of the recommendations that came out of the 26-member Governor's Task Force on Child Protection earlier this year.

The bill contains two provisions that begin the reform process that is so needed:

- Places child health and safety as the paramount concern when making child protection decisions.

- Reverses a law passed in 2013 that barred consideration of screened-out reports in investigating abuse reports.

This bill is a first step toward fixing Minnesota's child protection system and making sure no child slips through the cracks. We worked in a bipartisan manner to help protect Minnesota children and to ensure that each is able to have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.

Additionally, I want to thank Mille Lacs County Child Protection Services as well as Mille Lacs County law enforcement who, despite issues with state statute, have done an outstanding job dealing with difficult circumstances of child abuse in a professional manner.

Upcoming Town Hall Schedule

Senator Dave Brown and I will hold town hall meetings on March 14. It is always rewarding to meet with constituents as they share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on how we can make our state better. I especially encourage you to attend if you are concerned about rising property taxes.

Please note that there have been changes to the March 14th schedule:

7:30 am in Princeton at K-Bob Café

9:00 am in Milaca at Daddio’ s Drive-In

11:30 am in Wahkon at Mugg’ s

1:30 pm Onamia at the Vet’ s Club

Staying in Touch

Please visit and “like” my Facebook page for updates on all the important legislation and events that are taking place at the Capitol.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments about issues that are important to you. My door is always open. If you would like to schedule a time to meet, please contact my office at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn or 651-296-6746.

 

Have a great weekend,

Sondra