I am extremely proud to have received the support of the Joint Council 32 DRIVE Commission. Joint Council 32 is an umbrella organization for 13 affiliated Teamster unions. Top issues that are important to Teamsters include fair wages, decent working conditions, good benefits, and dignity in retirement. Goals that are relevant to all who work.

I am appreciative to the Teamsters for the services they provide to our community, and our state. I am especially grateful for their confidence in me and their endorsement.
 

What a fantastic day to have a parade! The weather cpuld not be better. The paraders had an easy time and spectators were in high spirit and encouraged and cheered everyone - they made it so much fun to walk in the parade.

So many thank yous go to all the fopks in my parade unit. And the many volunteers who worked for many-many weeks to organize this perfect event - thank you! The manyvolunteers involved in my parade unit organization - thank you.

The Fire Muster in Burnsville is a multi-day event continuing through Sunday. It has been run now for 38 years - WOW! There are booths, carnival, music, and many more items.

The Boy Scouts were great support coming around to tell us they'll bring food.

Again - many many thanks to all the volunteers who put in time, energy and enthusiasm - the results show your dedication and spirit!

Sandy
 

I am pleased to have the endorsement of the United Transportation Union (UTU). This transportation labor organization works on behalf of sheet metal, air, rail, and transit workers across the country (known as SMART).

There are 1200 members in the UTU-SMART who provide critical services and are striving to build a better Minnesota. Thank you, UTU, for all you do.

I am grateful to announce that my campaign has received the endorsement of the Minnesota Farmers Union Political Action Committee (MFUPAC). This organization works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for farm families, ranchers, and rural communities.

As our world becomes increasingly concerned with the quality and quantity of food, we can look to this organization to provide expertise and leadership.

I am grateful for the work of MFUPAC, and appreciate their support.
 

	I am extremely honored to receive the endorsement of Clean Water Action Minnesota, a premier environmental advocacy organization.
Here is a quote from Clean Water Action: "Clean Water Action is proud to endorse Sandra Masin to represent Minnesota House District 51A. Sandra will continue to be an environmental champion and will fight to protect our environment, health, economic well-being, and community quality of life."

With the election campaigns going strong, people see more and more campaign related mailers. Our campaign will be sending a few as well, with the emphasis on the word "few"!

How Can I Tell Rep. Masin's Mailer from others?
It is simple: Our mailers have information telling you the source of the mailer - like this:

You will see on our mailers these words: "Prepared and paid for by the Masin Campaign Committee, P.O. Box 21523, Eagan MN 55121". It is required by law that we identify our mailers in this manner.
 

This statement was released by Rep. Sandy Masin tonight:

"I am proud to receive the endorsement of the SEIU MN State Council.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has a priority of improving the lives of working families. SEIU is the third largest union in Minnesota, which represents nearly 53,000 workers statewide. Minnesota's SEIU members provide care and support for our families in our homes, hospitals, public schools, nursing homes, hotels, universities, the Twin Cities' largest public and private buildings, as well as making and distributing products.

I am grateful and fortunate to have their support."
 

Perfect weather! What a great parade and audience. It was great to see so many people we know and get their reactions and greetings. Thank you all who participated and helped make this a great occasion.


 

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying our wonderful summer weather with your friends and family. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on some of my activities recently. Last week, I attended the Summit on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders hosted by Women in Government, a nonpartisan organization of women state legislators providing networking, educational, and leadership opportunities. (See another item on this page.)

At this policy summit, we had the opportunity to learn about potential solutions to, as well as new ways to look at, substance use disorders. We heard from William Moyers - vice president of public affairs at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and oldest son of journalist Bill Moyers - about his own struggle with addiction and emerging ways to approach this epidemic. We also had eye-opening discussions about the inadequacy of mental health support available in our communities and especially the lack of these services in our criminal justice system.

As policymakers, we face unique challenges regarding these topics. First, we must end the stigma surrounding substance use disorders as well as mental health difficulties. People need to know it's okay to ask for help, and that no one is immune from addiction. Also, we have significant work left in order to reach parity for mental health and substance use as they compare to physical health. Lastly, the approach to the criminal justice system aspect as it relates to these conditions needs to change. Too many citizens are incarcerated who should really be receiving treatment, and there are steps we can take to improve outcomes for these individuals.

After this summit, Women in Government held their annual Midwestern Regional Conference in Bloomington, which I also attended. We had the opportunity to hear presentations about important topics such as criminal justice, growing our workforce, and agriculture, to name a few.

New Laws
Today, July 1, many new laws go into effect. Each bill passed by the Legislature is given an "effective date";� sometimes the day the bill is signed into law immediately, sometimes July 1, sometimes August 1, and sometimes an arbitrary date based on provisions contained within the bill.

With July 1 being the start of the new fiscal year, bills containing appropriations go into effect today. Minnesota House Public Information Services has put together a comprehensive list of this legislation, which I invite you to check out here [pdf, 5 pages].

Happy 4th of July
I hope you have a wonderful and safe Independence Day Holiday. The Eagan July 4th Funfest kicks off on Saturday with many wonderful events, the details of which you can learn about here. I look forward to this exciting community celebration every year, and I hope to see you around the festival grounds or at the parade.

Please stay in touch with your input on any issue important to you. Feel free to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-3533 or email me rep.sandra.masin@house.mn any time.

Sincerely,

Sandy Masin
 

Rep. Masin posted this recently in her private blog:

Women In Government is holding a Summit on Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders today and tomorrow in Bloomington. William Moyers, Vice President of Public Affairs, at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation talked about "Eliminating Barriers to Success." He said that he appreciates the use of "Substance Use Disorders" over "Substance Abuse." He said we need to eliminate the stigma attached to the problem and repeatedly said that "addiction doesn't discriminate." People need to know that it is okay to ask for help.

Kelly O'Brien, the Executive Director of The Kennedy Forum started her presentation with a video about "The System We Need." Both she and Sue Abderholden, the Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota, concentrated on the parity of mental health treatment to physical health treatment. Basically, it sounds like mental health has a ways to go.

Senator Barb Goodwin of Minnesota and Ira Burnim, Legal Director of Judge David Bazelon Center on Mental Health talked about mental health concerns in the Criminal Justice System. The sad fact is that we are imprisoning people that should be treated in mental health facilities. Not only is this barbaric, it is more costly and it hardly achieves a positive outcome.

The evening concluded with a screening of If Only, a movie about drug addiction among teens. Two men who worked on this project gave passionate presentations about the need to have community discussions this issue. Too many children are dying.
 

Dear Neighbors,

Constituent Coffee Hour
I just want to remind you that I will be hosting another Constituent Coffee Hour at the Silver Bell Diner (1981 Silver Bell Rd, Eagan, MN) We will be there from 10 A.M. until noon on Saturday, June 18th. I really enjoy talking with and listening to people in our community so please stop by if you are able. This is always a casual gathering so please come and go as it fits your schedule.

Community Events
Last Sunday (June 12th), I spoke with many people who attended the Eagan Historical Society's reopening celebration for Eagan's 1914 Town Hall. Later, I attended a memorial and concert to celebrate the life of Tony Caponi in Caponi Art Park. It is always such a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the many community events that Eagan and Burnsville have to offer.

I also want to thank everyone that was able to come to the Town Hall that Senator Carlson and I held last week. Most of the discussion was on the components of a comprehensive transportation bill.

Special Session
Wednesday, legislative leaders met with the Governor to discuss the potential special session. Unfortunately, little progress was made. I am disappointed with the chaotic end of session. The majority party is responsible for scheduling the bills. This session it felt like the House Republican Majority truly underestimated the time frame needed to conduct our business. This was further complicated because the House and Senate met in different buildings.

I will continue to work with all of my colleagues to find a compromise so we can finish the job and pass the bonding and tax bills.

Please let me know if you have questions or concerns that I can assist you with.

Sincerely,

Sandy Masin
State Representative
 

Dear Neighbors,

Legislative Session
The 2016 legislative session ended shortly before midnight May 22, 2016 amidst a clamor of representatives still trying to be recognized. In a last minute attempt to fund transportation, the House Majority presented a revised bonding bill with a one-time sum of $300 million for transportation from the budget surplus. The final bonding/transportation bill was hurriedly cobbled together in the closing hours of session, allowing us less than 45 minutes to review the bill. The bill passed in the House, but was amended in the Senate and the House adjourned before considering the amended bill. [more]

As a way of background, an $800 million House bonding proposal was not released until May 19 - less than a week before we were constitutionally mandated to adjourn. There was not a sufficient amount of statewide projects to secure the 3/5 super majority vote needed to pass. The bill was discussed briefly, a House vote was taken, it failed, and was then "tabled" allowing it to be brought up again when a revised bill came forward.

As the entire House of Representatives learned this week, according to nonpartisan research, the final bonding bill contained several errors and omissions. House members received an updated spreadsheet from the House staff with corrections on Wednesday this week - two days after we adjourned. This is evidence that we need a transparent and open process when we legislate on bills that could potentially become law.

Although there were several missed opportunities, I was pleased to support a bipartisan tax bill that passed in the House. Highlights of the bill include an expansion of the child care tax credit, increased tax credits for veterans, property tax relief for small businesses, and a new student loan tax credit. My Burnsville TIF provision was also included in the final bill, which provides funding to the city to prepare the landfill property for development.

A special session to complete unfinished work is being taken into consideration. Governor Dayton has not committed and said he wouldn't until a solid agreement is struck between both House and Senate leaders.

Coffee Meet and Greet
Tomorrow, May 28, I invite you to join me for a "Coffee Meet and Greet"� listening session. I will be meeting those interested at May 28th Junior's Sports Cafe (1996 Highway 13 E., Burnsville) from 10 a.m.-noon. I hope you can make it, and that you will bring your comments and questions.

"Coffee Meet and Greet"� is open-house style, and constituents are welcome to come at any point between 10:00 a.m. and noon.

I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Sandy Masin
State Representative
Minnesota House District 51A
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATE REPRESENTATIVE SANDRA MASIN SEEKS RE-ELECTION

Eagan, MN -- Minnesota State Representative Sandra Masin is pleased to announce her decision to seek re-election in 2016 to District 51A, which covers western Eagan and northern Burnsville.

"It is a privilege to represent the citizens of House District 51A, a responsibility I take very seriously. I ask humbly for your continued support in the 2016 election,"� Masin said.

Masin is a Democrat and an Eagan resident who has worked on behalf of the citizens and families of Eagan and Burnsville, to ensure accessible representation in St. Paul. Looking toward the campaign season, Masin promises to continue engaging residents on transportation issues.

"During the election cycle, I want to connect with voters to continue to tackle issues facing the state, including funding for high-quality education, closing the achievement gap for Minnesota kids, affordable and accessible healthcare, student debt reduction, lowering property taxes, and a sustainable and prosperous job market in our district and beyond," she said.

Sandra Masin is currently serving her fourth two-year term. As a State Representative she has achieved inclusion of legislation in the Women’s Economic Security Act and worked to further broadband access across the state. Masin continues to support the equal treatment of women and minorities, environmental protection, and policies that benefit Minnesota families.

For more information, contact Sandra Masin at 651-452-3411.
 

Upcoming Events

• ⤷  Varied - Door Knock for Sandra Masin  [more]
• ⤷  September 20, 2016 - Debate and Candidate Panel  [more]
• ⤷  September 29, 2016 - Apples Apples Apples! Fall Fundraiser  [more]

click here for all events

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