My first podcast appearance, a conversation with Eden Prairie City Manager Rick Getschow
I was invited to speak with Eden Prairie City Manager Rick Getschow on his podcast. We had a fulfilling discussion regarding the highlights of my teaching career and what led to my career as a state senator as well as the responsibilities I hold as one. It ended up being a intuitive and compelling discussion. Thank you to Rick for having me. Lots of introspective questions which led to some interesting self-reflection. You can listen to it by clicking HERE.
Preventing Opioid Addiction
Last Saturday I attended a breakfast hosted by the Chris Wivholm Foundation for opioid abuse prevention. Thank you to one of my constituents, Elina Curran, for organizing this event.
Cwod’s Book Nook
I’m always interested in what people are reading and I love talking about books.
I have been encouraging my colleagues to check out When Republicans Were Progressive, by Minnesota’s own Former Senator Dave Durenberger and Star Tribune columnist Lori Sturdevant. It’s about working across party lines for the betterment of our country, and is an inspiring read.
What books are you reading for pleasure?
Taking a Stand Against Gun Violence
On Thursday, I attended a press conference announcing legislation on gun violence prevention. Two key pillars of this are universal background checks and red flag laws. Minnesotans are depending on us, and this year I believe that we can get these passed.
Ensuring Gender Equity in our Schools
Earlier this week, Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn and I attended an event on ensuring equity in our schools related to feminine hygiene products. Too many young girls, middle-schoolers in particular, are faced with costly or inaccessible products during a time when they may be too afraid to ask. All schools should offer no-cost feminine hygiene products to their students. Failing to do so is a violation of Title IX and and the US Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.
Uniting with my colleagues
The first few weeks up session can be quite busy, so I was grateful to find time to grab lunch with my fellow “true” freshman colleagues: Senators Nick Frentz, Matt Little, and Matt Klein. Like all good friends, they make me laugh and make me think.
While in the cafeteria, a few constituents here for St Kates’ day on the hill recognized me as their state senator. They also stopped by my office to drop off advocacy letters on child care and criminal justice reform. It does my heart good to see young people exercising their civic duty.