Woodard on Voter ID Requirement, Capitol Restoration Project

Dear Neighbor,

As is tradition in the Legislature, the House and Senate will not be in session during the upcoming week, in observance of the Easter/Passover holidays. This will allow us to spend quality time with friends and family in our districts before returning to St. Paul for the home stretch of the session.

Here is a short video clip where I provide more information on some important issues, including a bill which ensures schools may use teachers’ performance as a consideration during personnel decisions.

One of the top news items from the Capitol this week is both the House and the Senate re-passed a bill which allows Minnesotans to decide whether voters should be required to provide photo ID at the polls. If this constitutional amendment is approved by a majority of voters this November, the 2013 Legislature would be in charge of putting the details in place to implement this requirement.

Some crucial subjects remain to be addressed when we return from the Easter/Passover break. One such bill would fund a restoration project at our state Capitol. The building opened more than a century ago is in drastic need of rehabilitation. Short-term fixes have been done over the years, but inspectors say we have reached a critical point where extensive work needs to be done now or we may never catch up. Walls are crumbling and there is an accumulation of fallen debris on external balconies. The roof also is leaking and so are some pipes. Other structural deficiencies need to be addressed, from insufficientheating and cooling systems, to accessibility issues for the disabled and deteriorating murals.

It is our responsibility to preserve this Minnesota icon for future generations and I look forward to a thorough discussion on this topic. I always welcome your emails with thoughts on these and other issues.

Warm regards,
Kelby