The Minnesota House of Representatives today announced plans to convene a mini-session October 2-4, 2019, in southeastern Minnesota. The mini-session events will take place in the City of Winona and surrounding communities. Fourteen mini-sessions occurred from 1987-1997, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the 1989 mini-session in Winona.
“In addition to welcoming citizen participation in the State Capitol in St. Paul, the Legislature should go out into communities across the state,” said Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman. “This year we held more than 10 House committee field hearings that took place during the 2019 regular session. The mini-session is a continuation of our effort to make the Legislature more accessible and responsive to Minnesotans.”
The purpose of this year’s mini-session is to make it easier for Minnesotans to engage with legislators and the legislative process. Members are currently helping to shape the agenda, and it will be released at a later date once it is finalized.
“Mini-sessions are an excellent opportunity for legislators to learn directly from their constituents about the needs of Minnesota that impact enhanced job growth and promote economic development,” said Rep. Gene Pelowski. “These on-site hearings, tours, and presentations allow an excellent gathering of information for legislators to make the best decisions for Minnesota when the legislative session begins on February 11, 2020.”
More information about previous mini-sessions is available here. A presentation about the history of mini-sessions given by Rep. Pelowski to the Greater Minnesota Jobs and Economic Development Division is available here.