The following e-mail is an update from Rep. Will Morgan, DFL-Burnsville.

December 13, 2007

Dear Neighbors,

With the 2008 Legislative Session just around the corner (starting February 12, 2008), I am holding a series of constituent meetings at the end of January and beginning of February to gather citizen input on key issues to be discussed at the Capitol this year. Understanding the opinions and concerns of the people of Burnsville and Savage is an essential part of being an effective advocate for our communities at the Capitol.

These meetings are a great opportunity for me to hear directly from you about the issues you care about. They're also a great way to foster constructive public dialogue about the issues facing our community and state. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet with you and others to discuss how, together, we can make our state a safer, healthier, and better place to live. I hope to see you there.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue contacting me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you have on any issue. As always, I am eager to hear from you and happy to help in any way I can.

Best wishes to you and yours for a happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Will Morgan

State Representative

 PRE-SESSION CONSTITUENT MEETINGS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 
Wednesday, January 23

Burnsville City Hall

100 Civic Center Parkway

Burnsville, MN 55337

7:00 – 8:00pm

 
Thursday, January 31

Burnhaven Library

1101 W County Road 42
Burnsville, MN 55306

10:15 – 11:15am

 
Saturday, February 2

Dan Patch Coffee Depot

4800 W 123^rd Street

Savage, MN 55378

10:00 – 11:00am

 
Thursday, February 7

Jo Jo's Rise and Wine

12501 Nicollet AvenueBurnsville, MN 55337

7:00 – 8:00pm

 
Saturday, February 9

Caribou Coffee

12601 Nicollet Ave
Burnsville, MN 55337

10:00 – 11:00am

  
ACTING QUICKLY IN THE FACE OF FORECLOSURE COULD SAVE YOUR HOME

Minnesota is currently tied for fourth in the nation when it comes to the percentage of sub-prime mortgages in foreclosure – with over 4,000 foreclosures in the third quarter alone. In fact, in the last year, Minnesota has seen a troubling 152 percent increase in mortgage foreclosures.

This is a serious problem. But in some cases there are things that can be done to avoid foreclosure, so that hard-working Minnesota families don't have to lose their homes. My office is prepared and capable of exhausting all available resources to help Burnsville and Savage residents through this housing crisis on a case-by-case basis.

Not everybody will be able to avoid falling victim to foreclosure, but it is essential that homeowners do everything possible to keep their homes. By acting quickly, we might be able to stop some of these foreclosures before they happen. Waiting to seek help only increases the chance of foreclosure. If you are at risk of foreclosure, I strongly encourage you to contact me as soon as possible. By working together, we might be able to save your home.

The Home Ownership Center is an excellent resource for finding help in the face of foreclosure. The HOC website, detailing foreclosure resources by county, can be found at http://www.hocmn.org/map.cfm?pageID=7. 

 
NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT JANUARY 1, 2008

AMERICAN FLAGS MUST BE AMERICAN-MADE

Starting this year, American flags sold in Minnesota must be manufactured in the United States.

MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE EXTENDED FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Unmarried children ages 19-24, regardless of whether they are full-time students, will be covered now under state-regulated family health insurance plans. Previously, dependents under age 25 could only be covered if they were full-time students. This new law does not apply to self-insured health plans.

AMUSEMENT RIDE INSPECTIONS REQUIRED

Amusement rides will be required to have annual and daily ride inspections. Additionally, ride operators or owners may impose and enforce safety rules regarding the riders' behavior.

NEW DESIGN REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL BUS SEATS

School bus passenger seats must have a cushion depth of 15 inches and a seat back height of at least 20 inches above the seating reference point.

MERCURY BANNED FROM COSMETICS AND OTHER PRODUCTS

Stoves, barometers, cooking thermometers, over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, toiletries, and fragrances must now be mercury-free. Additionally, products manufactured after Jan 1, 2008, that contain mercury must have a label that notifies consumers that products containing mercury must be disposed of properly.

 EDUCATING OUR KIDS FOR SUCCESS IN A 21^ST CENTURY ECONOMY

Unfunded special education costs, declining enrollment, rising health care and energy costs, and state budget cuts in 2003 have created difficult challenges for our schools. As a teacher, I understand these challenges, and the need for serious education funding reform.

As a legislator, education is one of my top priorities because every child deserves the resources and opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Our quality of life and the vitality of our economy depend on it.

The education bill passed last session provides $800 million in new state funding for K-12 education statewide. An initiative I authored became the foundation of a landmark provision in this package that has plugged the leak in special education funding, freeing up $330 million for all Minnesota students.

Because of the 2007 education bill, our local schools will see state funding increases better than the state average (5.8%) over the next two years:

·        Burnsville/Eagan/Savage (District #191) – 6.6%

·        Lakeville (District #194) – 6.3%

·        Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan (District #196) – 6.1%

We made progress last session, but our schools still face serious challenges. That's why a legislative task force is working to establish recommendations for how we can end property tax increases while providing students the education needed to thrive in a competitive 21^st century economy.

 I'll continue fighting to secure the resources our local schools need to maintain high standards of achievement for teachers and students, and provide all our children access to a world-class education. 

Sincerely,

Will Morgan

State Representative