Category: SD37

Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: December 21, 2017

Rep. Erin Koegel (37A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

A World of Good Wishes. One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year. In spending time with loved ones, there are many opportunities to create special memories full of joy. Soon, 2018 will be upon us, and this time of year also provides an opportunity for both reflection, and to look ahead to what’s around the corner. Here is an update from the State Capitol.

Minnesota: Best Run State

I was pleased to hear that USA Today recently ranked Minnesota the “Best Run State in the Nation.” While bragging can be considered “unMinnesotan,” we have a lot to be proud of with this accolade. The study “highlights Minnesota’s strong fiscal management, low unemployment and poverty rates, above-average median household income, and strong credit rating.” Continue reading “Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: December 21, 2017”

Sen. Jerry Newton Update (SD37): December 21, 2017

Friends and Neighbors,

As 2017 draws to a close, I would just like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.  I plan to spend time with my family and friends as I get ready for the 2018 Legislative Session.

I was encouraged this past year by our community involvement on issues such as health care, transportation, education, Real ID, and the environment.  I want to thank all of you for reaching out to my office to voice your concerns and for staying engaged in the political process.  I truly value all your viewpoints. Continue reading “Sen. Jerry Newton Update (SD37): December 21, 2017”

Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: November 22, 2017

Rep. Erin Koegel (37A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family have a terrific Thanksgiving to look forward to. This is a time we can gather to share a meal and celebrate with loved ones. As your state representative, this gives me an opportunity to reflect on the values that are important to our community and what makes Minnesota such a special place to live.

We live in a wonderful state with plenty to be thankful for, but let’s also look toward the work left to do. We must strive to increase incomes, because too many people are working two or three jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet. Many families have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one because they don’t have paid leave. Too many teachers are forced to spend money out of their own pockets on supplies for their classrooms. The heroes who provide services to people with disabilities, seniors, and other vulnerable Minnesotans are underpaid and many can’t afford to continue their important work. College and job training remains out of reach for many due to soaring costs. It is clear we have a lot of unfinished business to ensure that all families have a fair shot at prosperity, but I’m confident that by working together, we can solve these challenges for our state. Continue reading “Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: November 22, 2017”

Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: November 9, 2017

Rep. Erin Koegel (37A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Each November 11, we observe the sacrifices made by members of our military with the commemoration of Veterans Day, and this year is no exception. They leave their families behind to head into uncertain, often dangerous situations to defend our freedoms and keep us safe here at home. Their families must also grapple with this uncertainty. These brave men and women volunteer out of a spirit of service and commitment to country.

As we thank the men and women who have served, we must recognize the challenges that many veterans face upon returning home. Whether regarding housing, employment, or health care, there are often roadblocks in the way of returning to normalcy. There are resources available for them from several different organizations: Continue reading “Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Update: November 9, 2017”

Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: November 1, 2017

Cold Weather Rule

I would just like to encourage all area residents to contact their utilities now to learn more about the Cold Weather Rule that protects residential utility customers from having their heat shut off during the winter months.

This rule takes effect on October 15 and continues through April 15, 2018. Continue reading “Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: November 1, 2017”

Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Announces Town Hall

Rep. Erin Koegel (37A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope fall has been treating you well. It’s hard to believe kids went back to school less than two months ago and now Halloween is almost upon us. Cold weather will soon follow but before we go into hibernation, I would like to invite you to share your thoughts and ideas at a community town hall.

Town Hall Meeting Next Week

Serving at the State Capitol, it’s vitally important for me to have opportunities to hear concerns of those whom I have the honor to represent. I also often find that many of the best ideas come directly from community members. To give folks a chance to make their voices heard, Sen. Jerry Newton and I are hosting a Town Hall Meeting next week.  Continue reading “Rep. Erin Koegel (HD37A) Announces Town Hall”

Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: October 11, 2017

Property Tax Payments Due October 15, 2017

I would just like to remind everyone that the last day to pay the second half of your real estate taxes is Monday, October 15th, unless part of the parcel is classified 2a agricultural land.  For more information on Property Taxes click here.

Minnesota Economic Forecast

Yesterday the state finance agency, Minnesota Management and Budget released their quarterly economic update which shows the state took in $66 million (1.4%) less than originally anticipated from July through September.  The tax collections for the state are down, but a more comprehensive report that takes spending patterns into account is due in late November.
You can find more information on the Economic Forecast here. Continue reading “Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: October 11, 2017”

Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: September 19, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

As many of you have heard in the news Equifax, one of the three main credit reporting companies, recently experienced a major data breach.  The breach exposed personal information, including the Social Security numbers of about 143 million people in the United States.

Now scammers are attempting to take advantage of the breach.  If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be part of Equifax, do not believe them.  This is a total scam.  Equifax will not call you out of the blue.  These scammers will ask you to verify your personal information.  Do not give them any information and instead just hang up the phone. Continue reading “Sen. Jerry Newton (SD37) Update: September 19, 2017”

Rep. Erin Koegel Update: August 9, 2017

Rep. Erin Koegel (37A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family continue to enjoy summer as it flies by us. This weekend, the highly anticipated Grand Opening of the Minnesota State Capitol will take place in St. Paul. Over the course of the three day celebration – from Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13 – there will be something for everyone. The agenda includes musical performances, a Kid Zone, Capitol tours, discussion panels, a Prince dance party, a craft beer tasting, and fireworks. Nearly all the events are absolutely free to attend.

Following a four-year restoration, the Capitol reopened to the public earlier this year, and the work is stunning. Art was restored with breathtaking detail, repairs were made to the marble exterior and the Quadriga (golden horses on the roof), accessibility has been improved to allow all Minnesotans to enjoy the building, many public spaces were expanded, and safety, energy, and technology upgrades were added. Our State Capitol is truly “the People’s House” and the wonderful work to restore it to its former glory deserves to be celebrated. I hope you can attend the festivities this weekend. More information, including a full schedule of events can be found online here. Continue reading “Rep. Erin Koegel Update: August 9, 2017”

Sen. Jerry Newton Update: August 9, 2017

I hope you’re enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the Minnesota State Fair!

I’ve spent the first week in August at two conferences with other legislators from around the country.  First, 128 state legislators from 36 states came together as the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in Cambridge, MA.  The goal is to bring Democrats and Republicans together to work on policy solutions to combat climate change, remove toxins from drinking water and consumer products, and conserve water. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined us as a partner in launching a database that will help state legislators learn from each other’s successes.

Then, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) met in Boston.  Hundreds of legislators from the United States and Canada have come together to discuss policy solutions to challenges that all states and provinces face in health care, criminal justice, and other areas. Continue reading “Sen. Jerry Newton Update: August 9, 2017”