Week of March 2nd – 6th
Honoring our veterans
I presented my first bill of 2020 on Thursday morning, which would establish a special license plate for veterans who received an Air Medal. The idea was brought to Representative Laurie Pryor and I by our constituent, Jim O’Neill, who served in Vietnam and received two Air Medals. The bill was passed and sent to the Transportation Committee.
Constituents at the Capitol
This was another big week for constituent visits. Thursday was ERA Day the Capitol, and I ran into a group of students from Eden Prairie who were here to get an equal rights amendment included in the Minnesota Constitution, as well as the US Constitution.
A group from Safe Passages for Children came in on Wednesday to talk with me about protecting children from abuse.
A group also came in this week to talk with me about protecting our public lands for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Monday was YMCA Day at the Capitol, and a group of constituents from the Southdale YMCA Youth in Government visited my office to learn more about the legislature and advocate for the issues they each care about.
Golf course superintendents’ day at the capitol was this week as well, and three of them stopped by to discuss their legislative priorities. Jim O’Neill, seen above presenting during our bill hearing, also happened to be a part of this group.
The Nursery and Landscape Association had their day at the capitol on Wednesday. One of the things we discussed was limiting sidewalk salt overuse, of which I am a strong supporter.
Bank Day at the Capitol was also this week, and a group of constituents stopped by to discuss taxation and regulation.
Andy Goke, a former student at Eden Prairie High School (though he never took my class!), also visited this week for Clean Energy Day. We talked about the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050 and how we can get there.
The MN Craft Brewers Guild held their day the capitol on Tuesday, and the owners of Unmapped Brewing in Minnetonka came to meet with me. I’ve been fortunate to tour their brewery as well, so now we have both seen each others’ offices.
Get ready for Real ID
Please check out the above infographic on Real ID, and shoot me an email if you have any questions about the process of getting one. Starting on October 1, all Minnesotans will need a Real ID in order to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities.
Former student becomes insulin advocate
A former student of mine, Lija Greenseid, was at the capitol early this week to testify on an insulin bill being authored by my colleague, Senator Matt Little. So great to see her working to make the world a better place.
History Matters
The Minnesota Historical Society held its annual History Matters Day this week. I stopped by their legislative reception in the capitol and received an update on the important work they are doing across the state.
Students visiting from Bemidji
A group of high school students from Bemidji drove down here this week. One of them happened to be 17 during Tuesday’s Presidential Primary, but will be turning 18 before the general election. Because of this she could not vote to choose who will be on her ballot in November. She is seen above holding a bill I am carrying that would remedy this problem for young people in the future.
Keeping healthcare safe and accessible in schools
A group of AFSCME public school employees visited earlier today to discuss creating a process for how medicines like insulin or prescription drugs should be administered in public schools. They raised a lot of safety concerns, and I am grateful they brought these to my attention.
Celebrating our democracy
On Tuesday, my wife Patti and I celebrated a 36 year tradition: going to the polls on election day to cast our ballots. I hope you got the chance to vote as well, and participate in our wonderful democracy.