Dear Neighbors,
The 2016 legislative session is officially underway and I could not be more thankful to have the opportunity to represent our community in St. Paul this year. I truly represent the best.
This year’s legislative session is set to be one of the shortest in recent memory due to the largest capitol renovation in our state’s history. Despite the shortened length, there are a number of issues that will be addressed this year.
We will hopefully be bringing tax relief to Minnesotans and a comprehensive transportation bill that addresses our aging roads and bridges—without raising the gas tax.
As chair of the Select Committee on Childcare Affordability, I have spent a great deal of time traveling the state—meeting with providers and families to discuss ways we can work together to offer more affordable child care choices to Minnesotans while putting child safety and quality care first.
In light of these conversations, I am working on putting together legislation that will work to address the concerns that we heard from so many folks across Minnesota. The consensus from around the state is that we have a crisis due to Minnesota losing over 3,000 childcare providers in the last 10 years.
On Thursday, I had a bill heard before the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. This legislation is for a bonding project in Otter Tail County that would bring repairs to the West Leaf Lake Dam.
Please make sure to keep an eye on your email inbox as I will be sending updates on what’s happening in St. Paul throughout session. Tell your friends to sign up for my email updates as well.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts regarding state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-3201 or via email at rep.mary.franson@house.mn.
Have a great weekend and keep on smiling.
Mary