(Editor’s Note: The following article was unsolicited from Kiffmeyer’s office).

Friends and neighbors,

Israel And U.S.

Webinar Presentation

An International Webinar between the America-Israel Friendship League in cooperation with National Conference on State Legislatures took place right before international women’s day and during Minnesota women’s history month on Sunday. I was fortunate to be able to participate with in the special webinar with two former members of the Israeli Knesset and an Illinois State Senator. I have always had a love for Israel and it only grew after spending 11 days in the country on a self-paid trip with the Jewish Community Relations Council a year and a half ago.

The webinar was entitled “The Climb – Women and the Legislative Ladder” and I was happy to share about my experience. I believe women belong in leadership positions and in elected office. I do not believe that there are men’s issues and women’s issues – only issues that can be approached from a variety of different perspectives and viewpoints by individuals from differing life experiences. When there is an opportunity or a desire to serve in an elected position, there is a need for women to step up and work with men to collaborate and serve the people of Minnesota and their districts.

Charitable Bail

Org.Regulation

The controversial and questionable Minnesota Freedom Fund, a bail issuing non-profit, was initiated last year during the riots and fires in Minneapolis to bail out those who were charged with crimes. Senate File 415 would require any nonprofit association, such as the Minnesota Freedom Fund, who pay bail, to register like any other charity. Several horrific crimes were committed by those bailed out by the Minnesota Freedom Fund like Hans Olsen in Minneapolis who was left with a Traumatic Brain Injury after being severely beaten outside of his workplace, or the violent sex offender that raped an 8-year-old girl only to be released by the Minnesota Freedom Fund.

These individuals bailed out were violent criminals that should have remained in jail. The current bail system does not create any accountability to the accused nor to the group providing the bail. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the individual shows up for court. When it is an all-cash bail by an anonymous group, there is no reason to show up. It is reasonable and appropriate for an organization that claims to be charitable to be treated as any other non-profit and they should stop bailing out violent criminals.

I-94 Lane Expansion

Albertville to Monticello segment of I-94 lane expansion completion

My bill to fund the completion of 6 lanes between Albertville and Monticello had a hearing last week. It is hoped that this funding will be included in a future bill. I was glad to have testifiers give specific information about the need for these improvements: Steve Bot a St. Michael City Administrator and Engineer/Chair of the I-94 West Corridor Board, Mayor Jillian Hendrickson of Albertville, and Director of Quality Assurance Jim Berge of King Solutions.

I remain committed to advocating for you and your family at the Capitol in any way I can. I am always available to talk and encourage you to reach out to my office with your questions, comments, and concerns. My phone number is 651-295-5655 or you can email me at Sen.Mary.Kiffmeyer@senate.mn