303 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 www.senate.

mn/ senatorwiklund

Capitol UpdateFebruary 26, 2014

Highlights:
I serve on the following committees: Health, Human Services, and Housing, Education, E-12 Finance, State & Local Government The 2014 legislative session begins on February 25th Im also working with Reps. Lenczewski and Slocum on legislation that will benefit Bloomington and Richfield

February 26, 2014

SD50 Bloomington, Richfield

2014 Session begins on February 25th

The 2014 legislative session began on February 25th. Although there is not a budget to pass this year (Minnesota budgets on a biennial basis), there is still a substantial amount of work before the legislature. project sites all over the state, and in January, the Governor released his bonding proposal. The Senate and House will have their own proposals, and a final agreement will likely take significant negotiation. Bonding bills require a 60%-vote threshold to pass the legislature.

How to contact me at the Capitol: Phone: 651-297-8061 E-mail: sen.melissa.wiklund @senate.mn

Perhaps the most high-profile discussion this year will center around the Bonding Bill. The State of Minnesota sells bonds and the proceeds are used to fund projects around the state. Bonding proposals were submitted by higher education institutions, state agencies, and local units of government. In total, approximately $2.8 billion was requested.

The Senate Capital Investment (Bonding) committee has toured

Of particular interest to our district are two bonding proposals. The City of Richfield requested bonding funds for the construction of a 77th Street Underpass under Highway 77. This project would allow for a significant improvement in traffic flow around Highway 77 and I494, in addition to providing easier access to the airport and other forms of public transportation. This has been a major focus for Richfield, and Im eager to continue working on it.

Additionally, the Dept. of Natural Resources has requested funds to continue developing the Minnesota Valley State Trail in Bloomington. These funds would provide for development of the trail from the Bloomington Ferry Bridge to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in our district.

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A): 651-296-7158 rep.linda.slocum @house.mn Rep. Ann Lenczewski (50B): 651-296-4218 rep.ann.lenczewski @house.mn

Minimum Wage to be discussed this session

One major piece of unfinished business from last session is a proposed increase in Minnesotas minimum wage. Currently, minimum wage in the state is $6.15/hr (though this is superseded by the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr). While the Senate and House did both pass an increase, an agreement could not be reached on the differences before the last session ended. Minnesotas minimum wage has not been increased since 2005, and Im hopeful that this year, we can give workers a raise. Stay in touch! My contact information, and the information for the House members from our district is on the left, please feel free to contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns you might have. I work for you, and the more I hear from you, the better I can do so!

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Capitol Update February 26, 2014

Around the District

We started as a family. Its a great family sport. - Jessica Schultz
Ten students from Bloomington Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools were recognized for their entries in the 2014 MN Scholastic Art Awards Program Richfield-based Fraser School, a child care center and preschool, was awarded a fourstar rating (the highest possible) by Parent Aware, an organization lead by the MN Dept. of Human Services and the MN Office of Early Learning Richfield-resident Jessica Schultz was on the U.S. Womens Olympic Curling Team. Team USA was eliminated in Session 10 after a narrow loss to Canada. Were proud of you! Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead and City Manager Mark Bernhardson will present the annual State of the City address on March 19th, at the DoubleTree hotel (7800 Normandale Blvd In the coming weeks, Ill be meeting with constituents regarding transit issues, human services, and occupational and physical therapy, among others Minnesota History: On February 19th, 1851, an act signed by Congress sets aside 48,080 acres to support a state university. The University of Minnesota is incorporated six days later. Ski-U-Mah!

Legislative work is ongoing

Although the legislature has not been in session, I have been busy working on constituent issues and other meetings. Committees that I serve on have been holding informational meetings on topics that will likely be discussed this year. Recently, the Education committee has discussed charter school growth and accountability, and how to best serve English language learners. The Health, Human Services, and Housing committee also discussed a recently-released report about health disparities in Minnesota, as well as how the justice and mental health systems interact. Additionally, I was recently appointed to the State Advisory Council on Mental Health. The interim between sessions has also given me more time for meetings in our district. Over the past few months, Ive met with the Richfield City Council, attended a forum sponsored by the Chicano Latino Affairs Council, and discussed legislative priorities with the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. On February 13th, I also had a town hall meeting at Richfield City Hall with Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk. We had an interesting discussion about education, medical marijuana, copper-nickel mining, transportation and infrastructure, and the bonding process.

Looking Ahead...
Once the legislative session begins, Ill be pretty busy with committee hearings. With a much shorter session, the committee deadline schedule will be much more compressed and committees will be working overtime to finish on time. Governor Dayton has advocated that this year be an unsession dedicated to repealing and reforming outmoded laws. Many of these proposals will come before committees I serve on, particularly the State and Local Government committee. If you can, I hope youll stop by the Capitol and say Hi!. Otherwise, Ill see you around town!

Sen. Wiklund chairing a meeting of the Health, Human Services, and Housing committee