December, 2019
District 48 hosts Civics 101 town hall
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Steve Simon joined Rep. Pryor, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, and I for a Civics 101 town hall meeting.
Our discussion focused on our new presidential primary system, the 2020 census, and innovative ideas like Ranked Choice Voting.
These events are one of the best parts of being a legislator, and I think my House colleagues feel the same way!
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and exercise your civic duty.
Discussing fiscal responsibility
Congressman Dean Phillips also held his own community conversation recently, on the subject of fiscal responsibility. Joining him were Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari and former congressmen David Minge and Tim Penny.
Student groups visit the capitol
A few weeks ago, a group of students from Gatewood Elementary School in Minnetonka visited the capitol. Representative Pryor and I had a wonderful time meeting them.
The students even got a chance to meet Governor Walz. I know they will treasure this day as they grow older, and it will inspire in them a greater sense of political efficacy.
Another tour group visited last week from Eden Prairie’s Tassel Transition Program, which helps students with additional needs achieve independence after finishing high school. Unlike many student groups who come visit, they were all of voting age. It was a uniquely wonderful experience, for them and for me.
Visiting Hennepin County Drug Court
Last Wednesday I went on my own tour of Hennepin County Drug Court, and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my time as a senator. Minnesotans convicted of drug-related crimes are able to choose a more rehabilitative path, and those working in this field exercise a level of compassion for them that can melt one’s heart.
As a bonus, the beginning of the tour was led by a constituent, Andrew Pieper, who is a Deputy District Administrator for Hennepin County Courts.
Visiting with education leaders
It’s always a pleasure to see a former student teaching social studies, and I am so thrilled that Eric Cameron found his way into the profession. Working in Intermediate District 916, he is also the president of his local union.
I also was fortunate to catch up with Denise Specht recently, who is the president of Education Minnesota. I am so deeply appreciative of the work she does. As a retired educator myself, I am proud to have her representing me.
Senate DFL organizes a Climate Caucus
Led by fellow freshman Senator Nick Frentz of Mankato, the Senate DFL has formed a 29 member Climate Caucus to address our global warming crisis. Our reliance on coal and natural gas needs to be reduced, and investments in green energy production need to be increased. Our future generations are counting on us.
Checking in with students at Eden Prairie High School
Last week I visited several classrooms at Eden Prairie High School to hear the students’ legislative priorities and answer their questions.
I asked each of the classes about the vaping epidemic, gun violence, testing, and many other issues.
The students’ responses were informative and insightful, and I also got to enjoy teaching them a bit more about state government.
A conversation on electric vehicles and clean energy
A few weeks ago I met with a constituent, Tom Thies, and we talked about shifting from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones that are hopefully using green energy. In addition to making electric cars more affordable, we can also help fund solar gardens that can act as charging stations for them. As a bonus, these could also act as habitats for pollinators. Ideas like this give me hope for our civilization and our planet.
Catching up with friends and former students
The holiday season always presents a perfect opportunity to reconnect with important people in our lives. I recently ran into two former students, Sarah Griffin and Emily Fisher, and had a great time hearing what they are up to now.
One of the most special reunions of this winter though was with the man who brought me to the wonderful community of Eden Prairie. Curt Connaughty was the assistant principal who hired me at as a teacher at the high school, and changed my life forever. In his retirement he has taken up writing, and has inspired me to start writing about my own career.
Enjoy your holidays
Earlier in the week, I met two of Santa’s elves filled with enthusiasm and exuberance for the coming holidays. They were clearly not suffering from low elf esteem. I hope you all have a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.