Dear Friends,
As we gather with our friends and family over the Memorial Day weekend, let us make sure to pause and reflect on the selfless service of our military. Let us pray for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and for the loved ones they left behind.
Lake Osakis Sediment Ponds
On Wednesday, I joined the Sauk River Watershed and the Minnesota DNR for a meeting with concerned residents on Lake Osakis. After the sediment ponds were put in place a couple years ago, the lakeshore has deteriorated and the water levels are very low. Residents are looking for answers as we try to figure out what has caused our beautiful lakeshore to recede so drastically. As you can see in the pictures below, Lake Osakis has never looked like this in recent years.
Budget? What Budget?
Budget discussions are continuing, but the majority of those conversations are taking place behind closed doors. The lack of transparency in this process should be worrisome for all. The public needs to know how their government plans to put together a $52 billion budget. I will continue to update you as I learn more information. Rest assured I am still fighting to end the emergency powers and the mask mandate for students! It is time to bring this pandemic to an end once and for all.
Vaccine Bribes
It is interesting that a pandemic so feared, with a vaccine so popular, needs bribes to get people to roll up their sleeves. Nevertheless, Gov. Walz announced yesterday a long list of giveaways to the next 100,000 Minnesotans who sign up for a new COVID vaccine. Some of the freebies include a Great Lakes Aquarium pass, Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe pass, Minnesota State Parks pass, and State Fair tickets. You can read the full list of incentives the state is giving away here.
While there are many concerns with this scheme, I know many have asked who is paying for this. Federal COVID relief funds are covering the cost of the giveaways. The state legislature has not appropriated additional funding.