Volume 1, Number 6

Dear Residents of District 49,

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March 11th, 2013

Session Highlights This week I had the privilege of participating on a panel with members from the PACER Center who are Senate Passes Health Care dedicated to improving the lives of children with Exchange Legislation Bill disabilities throughout Minnesota. The PACER Center also After more than 12 hours of promotes its Bullying Prevention Center, which provides debate, the Senate passed a version resources designed to address bullying in our community. of the Health Care Exchange bill Thursday. The Senate version of the To that end, the Safe and Supportive Minnesota bill will now go to a conference Schools Act, which I co-authored, was heard in the committee to reconcile differences Education Policy Committee. I want to recognize the with the House version of the bill that testimony of Mr. Alec Fischer who is an Edina High passed earlier this week. School graduate and creator of a documentary titled
Minnesota Nice? A Documentary on Bullying and Suicide in Minnesota Schools. Mr. Fischers testimony was
extremely powerful and with his support the bill was recommended to pass by the Committee.

Finally, the week culminated with 12 hours of debate on the Health Care Insurance Exchange on the Senate floor. I voted in support of the bill along with several amendments I believe would have made the Minnesota Health Exchange stronger. Though not every amendment that I supported was adopted, I am committed to Anti-Bullying Legislation Moving working through the process to provide access to Through the Senate quality and affordable health care for all. This bill is the result of the recommendations made last August I invite you to watch the video of my comments on the by the Governors Task Force to senate floor. ensure a safe and supportive school environment for every student in Sincerely, Minnesota. It is much more comprehensive in detailing the definitions of bullying, harassment, and intimidation as prohibited conduct than current law.

Around the District

Congratulations to the Edina boys hockey team who won the state title last Friday at the Xcel! Best of luck to Murray McCartan, a teacher from Bloomington Jefferson High School who is one of 39 finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the six people who received awards from Connecting With Kids for their leadership efforts in the community. I encourage everyone to take part in this months Edina Reads program. This months selection is A Thinking Mans Bully by Michael Adelberg.

Around the Capitol

Employers could get incentives to hire veterans- An income tax credit could be available to businesses for hiring veterans. What does it cost to live in MN- A study is being proposed to determine the statewide, county basic cost-of-living needs. Expansion sought for childrens mental health grants- Providing services in schools is preferred over stigma of mental health clinics. Safety upgrades sought at Capitol complex- The State Capitol is the states seat of government, but just how secure is the capitol complex as a whole? Attracting Filmmakers to MinnesotaLegislators are joining a group of Hollywood studio veterans to present a new opportunity for Minnesota to have ownership in major motion pictures. To learn more about the Association of Minnesota Motion Pictures click here.

Tweet of the Week

Impressive testimony in the Senate @dj_fischyfish for MN Safe & Supportive Schools Act #bullying documentary http:// bit.ly/103ScMz #MNLeg

Connect with Me
Facebook www.facebook.com/ MelisaLFranzen Twitter @MelisaFranzen YouTube Melisa Franzen Week in Review Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=aH163NSmZbg&feature=youtu.be

The Week Ahead

Tuesday: I will be speaking at an Edina Rotary Club event at the Edina Country Club. Wednesday: Im excited to celebrate Youth Day at the Capitol! Friday: The first legislative deadline. All policy proposals must be heard in committee. Saturday: Im having breakfast with Bloomington-area teachers as part of their Eggs and Issues event.

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