I-94 Construction
Here is the full presentation of information from MnDOT about the upcoming construction on I-94 through our community. Click here or above to watch.
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Mini Session Recap
2019 Mini Legislative Session in Review
This past week, the Minnesota House headed down to southeast Minnesota to hold a series of committee meetings, tours, and listening sessions as part of the 2019 mini -session. Hearings were held across the southeast corner of our state, including Caledonia, Rochester, Rushford, and Winona.
Since no official votes would or could be taken, legislators were free to choose the hearings they wished to attend. I attended hearings for Health and Human Services, Jobs & Economic Development, and the Energy Committee in Rochester, Winona, and Rushford.
The number one issue we heard about at every stop was the workforce shortage. Everyone we spoke with is having trouble finding employees to fill shifts, keep up with demand, and meet needs in their communities.
The "mini-session" provided a great opportunity to hear the perspective of small towns and farming communities and ask a lot of questions. The testifiers shared their views on how their communities are impacted by taxes, regulations, and mandates, as well as trade, immigration and natural disasters.
Rep. Robbins & Rep. Demuth at the Garage
In addition to the regular hearings, I was also able to tour two co-working spaces that are trying to support local entrepreneurs and foster a climate of innovation and new start-ups in Greater Minnesota. "The Garage” in Winona and “Red Wing Ignite” in Red Wing both provide great programming and training to help entreprenuers turn their ideas into real businesses. They are also both working with schools to develop internship programs with local businesses to keep young people in their communities and they are trying to raise venture funding to support start-ups. The co-working spaces provide much needed high-speed connectivity and other support to help small businesses grow or expand.
The main impression that my fellow legislators and I took away from the mini-session is that Greater Minnesota is resilient and small communities are working together in impressive ways to support agriculture, manufacturing, education, and entrepreneurs. They, like all communities throughout our state, need the freedom to flourish and attract new workers to support growth and redevelopment.
We live in a great state and I look forward to continuing to make it even better!
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Winona ORC Tour
I was also able to tour Winona ORC, with my colleague Rep. Lisa Demuth. This wonderful non-profit coordinates employment for people with disabilities in southeastern Minnesota with local businesses who need workers. They do all of the laundry for the local hospital and area hotels and also do light assembly work and packaging for local and internet-based companies. The employees love their jobs and the opportunity to earn money through meaningful work and they love the collegiality at Winona ORC.
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Missing from the Mini-Session: DHS Hearings
Before the HHS hearing took place in Rochester, I joined several of my colleagues to call on the House Majority to hold hearings on the mess at the Department of Human Services.
Despite the revelation on Wednesday that DHS paid $3.7 million to deceased Minnesotans, the HHS hearing did not address the fraud and mismanagement at DHS, which has reached $80 million in wasted taxpayer dollars since just the end of session in May. Our renewed calls for a forensic audit have also been ignored.
These dollars are supposed to fund programs that help the most vulnerable Minnesotans. When there is fraud, abuse, or mismanagement of these funds, it not only is wasting taxpayer dollars but also taking from those who need the help.
We need to get to the bottom of the problems at DHS so we can make sure they do not happen again.
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Launch Minnesota
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It was great to see bipartisan support for LaunchMinnesota a project by the Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) at their official kick-off this week.
I am looking forward to working with Neela Mollgaard & private sector groups to strengthen Minnesota's eco-system for innovation & start-ups!
If you'd like to stay up to date on Launch Minnesota's work, you can sign up for their newsletter here.
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High School Page Program
The Minnesota House High School Page Program is a great way for high school juniors to learn and get some hands-on experience with the legislative process. The deadline to apply is November 21. Click here for more details. |
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This weekend, I spent an afternoon supporting friends and neighbors Dyslexia United today! This group is helping kids and families with dyslexia get specialized tutoring they need to be successful. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month - see more picture and find their Facebook Page here.
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It was impressive to see the amazing all-volunteer Dayton Fire Department MN! Fun open house in Dayton, MN on Sunday demonstrating their skills! They train four hours each week in addition to other regional training throughout the year. Thank you for your service and commitment to our community! |
Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance. My office phone number is 651-296-7806 or by email at rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. My office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 225.
Have a great week!
Kristin
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