Senate DFL elects new caucus leader
After 6 hours of debate and deliberation on Saturday, the Senate DFL voted on the position of caucus leader. The state of Minnesota is fortunate to have two exceptional public servants in Senators Bakk and Kent. I greatly appreciate the work Senator Bakk has done, I am excited to work under Senator Kent’s leadership, and I look forward to working with both of them this coming session.
A remarkable day at Eden Prairie High School
A few weeks ago I had a truly incredible day at Eden Prairie High School. One of the classes I visited was a Grow Your Own class geared towards informing people about the teaching profession.
I also visited a few social studies and answered their questions about government.
The visit also included a completely new experience, a visit to the high school’s kitchen and bakery. Roxann Roushar, Kristin Treptow, and the dozens of behind-the-scenes staff work every day to ensure that students are able to eat fresh and healthy food.
Visit to PEASE Academy
I also recently visited PEASE Academy, the first recovery high school in the nation, along with my daughter Erica. I am so thankful for the work that Director Michael Durchslag and the rest of the staff are doing to help students struggling with addiction.
Standing up to Antisemitism
In the wake of recent antisemitic attacks, Temple Israel in Minneapolis hosted a community conversation on compassion and understanding. It was a very powerful event.
Taking action on climate change
The Senate DFL Climate Caucus had its first meeting last week, and chairman Nick Frentz did a great job helping to set our agenda. We need to invest in renewable energy sources and hold polluters accountable now, before it is too late.
Running into a former student
Always a joy and a pleasure to meet up with a former student. Brett Lobben is now an associate principal at at Forest Hills Elementary in Eden Prairie. We caught up at a meeting on school times at city hall.
Session starts next week!
The 2020 legislative session will get underway starting on Tuesday, February 11th at 12pm. We will be debating everything from insulin access to gun violence prevention to the vaping epidemic. Please make your voice heard and come meet with me at the capitol. Few things bring me more joy than learning from my constituents, and I am excited for what this year will bring.
Visiting early childhood educators
Back in January, Minnetonka hosted a open house for a new early childhood and family education (ECFE) facility. It was great to visit a place where we all come together as community and help strengthen families through education and support the parents through providing the best teaching environment for their children.
This week I also visited an Early Childhood center in Eden Prairie where Reading Corps members were helping pre-k students build their literacy skills. They are doing great work to get our youngest learners ready for kindergarten.
Capitol hosts Youth In Government model assembly
January was also when YMCA Youth In Government ran its model state assembly, and the State Capitol was a great host. So awesome to see so many young people getting involved in government.
During a break in the assembly I was able talk to a few of those students and answer any questions they had for me.
Helping out at PROP
Back in December, I was able to stop by our local Jerry’s Foods in Eden Prairie and help out PROP. So thankful for the people working and volunteering there to help the most needy.
Connected India Event
Last weekend was the annual Connect India event, I had such a incredible time learning and listening. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.
Hopkins High School Legislative Action Committee
The Hopkins Legislative Action Committee also recently had their legislative reception in advance of the 2020 session. Always great to see so much enthusiasm for political efficacy.
Minnetonka fire station open house
Recently I visited the Minnetonka fire department where I was accompanied by my daughter Erica and my grandson who loved the fire trucks. I appreciate the hard work of all the fire fighters and the first responders out there!