Legislative Update from Rep. Anne Neu

Friends and Neighbors,

 

Many of you probably have heard reports starting last fall regarding the misuse of two U.S. Bank Stadium suites by Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) officials. This matter has been of great concern for us in the House, and on Monday, March 6^th, we passed a bill focused on increasing transparency, oversight and accountability with the MSFA board. Details on this bill and a couple of other items are below.

 

 

If you haven’t been following the MSFA situation, this article from the Star Tribune gives some good background on the issue: http://www.startribune.com/auditor-u-s-bank-stadium-authority-violated-core-ethical-principles-with-free-tickets-for-friends-and-family/413031363/#

 

The bill we passed through the House, HF778, would reform the way MSFA officials are selected and its governance structure, in addition to limiting how free Vikings Stadium suites are used. These measures would help address the unethical practices that have become the norm with the MSFA.

 

HF778 passed on a bipartisan vote of 122-7 and has been sent to the Senate.

 

It is essential to the functioning of our democracy that public officials are held to the highest ethical standard, at all levels of government. The bill we passed would help address some the issues we have seen in the MSFA.

 

 

Friday, March 10^th, was the first deadline for policy bills to be heard in the House. This meant additional meetings for policy committees extra in an effort to get bills their initial hearings.

 

This video on the House Public Information facebook page nicely describes how these deadlines help the House function efficiently: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MNHouseInfo/videos/

 

 

On Monday I joined fellow legislators at a press conference to promote HF1944, a bill that creates a pilot program where students can take part in technical apprenticeships while gaining credit toward high school graduation.

 

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My hope is that every student finds a profession that utilizes their inherent talents, and for many of our young people this means acquiring a trade. This bill would go a long way toward promoting an alternative for students who don’t believe a liberal arts education is a good fit for them, and encouraging them to develop their skills. I am excited to support this bill as it moves through the House!

 

 

Thank you to Tracy Cornstrom, Director of Wolf Creek Charter School, and Jeff Vitality, Wolf Creek Charter School Board Chair, for stopping by last week.

 

 

I enjoyed our conversation, and look forward to more visits from members of our community in the future! If you would like to schedule a visit, please contact my office by phone at 651-296-5377, or by email at rep.anne.neu@house.mn.

 

 

Our state’s K-12 students are being asked to submit essays regarding how our Capitol has influenced Minnesota’s cultural history, and what meaning it will hold for future generations. Essays will be selected in three categories (elementary school, middle school, and high school) and students will share their work at the Capitol’s restoration celebration this summer. Contest winners will also receive $1,000 to go towards their college savings.

April 28 is the submission deadline for essays. Information regarding essay subjects and contest rules can be found at this link. I hope some of the talented students in our district will submit their work!

 

Thank you again for the privilege of serving you in Saint Paul. Again, my door is always open, and I look forward to receiving your questions and input as we continue debating issues in Saint Paul.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Anne