The third week at the Legislature brought big news for residents of Plymouth, animal rights activists, and

students and businesses across the state

S.F. 36: Dog and Cat Breeder Bill: Town Hall:

Thank you to all who came out to make their voices heard at our Town Halls this week. On Saturday morning, we enjoyed an intimate crowd at Minnetonka City Hall. Joined by Mayor Terry Schneider, we discussed the current budget surplus and proposals being made with how to use it. Wednesday night, residents of SD 44A (and some from the B-side) gathered at Plymouth City Hall. The issues ranged from taking care of the basics (plowing and road management) to complex issues like minimum wage (tiered levels and indexing to inflation). What I love about our district is the diversity of our viewpoints. Often times, people were on opposite sides of the issues we discussed, but everybody kept a respectful tone and listened to their neighbors. I am proud to represent Senate District 44. Thank you to everyone who came out. Legislation passed earlier this week out of the Jobs, Agriculture and Rural Development committee that would eliminate inhumane treatment of dogs and cats by breeders. This legislation was produced in response to claims of abuse and cruel treatment of these animals by owners who breed in large numbers and dont adequately care for them. I have seen first -hand the effects this type of treatment has on the animals. I do understand that there are many hobby breeders who take great care of their animals and I do not want to punish these individuals for the actions of poor actors. However, I supported this legislation (which has been in the works for several years) because it is morally wrong to allow this treatment to continue. A personal thank you to my amazing breeder, Savannah Acres. (We love our Golden Retriever, Lilly!)

Hollydale Neighbors join Sen.Bonoff at Environment and Energy Hearing

Hollydale: For those of you who have been following this issue, we had a breakthrough this week. In anticipation of Xcel withdrawing their application to the Public Utilities Commission (and nullifying the law we passed last Session), we drafted an amendment to last years Hollydale law. The 2014 Hollydale bill was drafted, but had not gotten much attention. However, after discussions with the Chair and Committee Administrator of the Environment and Energy Committee, we successfully lobbied to receive a hearing. We found out on Wednesday morning that our bill would be up the following day at 12:00. We immediately contacted the neighborhood association and put out a message urging residents of the neighborhood to come to the hearing and show their support. I was not let down. Over 20 individuals showed up on extremely short notice, with many more emailing me wishing they could be there and expressing their support for our legislation. The bill was recommended to pass out of committee and sent to the floor for a full vote in the Senate. Now, we need to get a hearing in the House (which proved quite difficult last Session). In summary, the bill requires that a new filing regarding this same area would be treated in the same manner as our previous law.

Apprenticeships (PIPELINE): After completing the tour of 21 Colleges and Universities across the State, I have been promoting an idea that was generated by our conversations with students and my understanding of future workforce needs. This week we launched that idea in bill form. In light of the growing divide between worker skills and the employment needs of businesses, the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held a hearing to launch the MN PIPELINE (Private Investment/Public Education Labor-Industry Experience) Project, an effort designed to close the skills gap in Minnesota. Minnesotas students are among the best in the nation, but despite our high level of educational obtainment, getting a college degree is no longer a guarantee for financial and economic security. The MN PIPELINE Project is about bringing industry leaders and key stakeholders together to develop competency standards in identified growth sectors in Minnesota to streamline entrance into the job market and reduce student debt. This is a critical first step in gaining consensus around how best to train our youth through both classroom and experiential learning to ensure we have a highly skilled workforce. The growth industries identified are advanced manufacturing, health care services and the information technology field. The Department of Labor & Industry, Department of Employment and Economic Development, University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will be involved in convening industry leaders to develop competency standards. A report is due to the Legislature in January 2015 that will layout how best to implement and deliver industry agreed upon competency standards. Lastly, these entities have been tasked to identify other key growth industries where competency standards should also be developed. (SF2527) It is our hope that these Industry sectors will partner with Students to create work based experiential training using the standards as the framework for the education and training.