Greetings,
Merry Christmas and happy New Year from the McDonald family. As we reflect on the real reason we celebrate Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ – please also take time to pray for those who are facing tough times. Any charitable donations you can make are encouraged. Our local food shelves are under extra demand this time of year, so any contributions you can make to them would be appreciated.
As for legislative news, I want to pass along word that Sen. Bruce Anderson and I will be co-hosting a town hall meeting 6 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Montrose Community Center (200 Center Ave., Montrose). The input we receive at this meeting will be helpful as we prepare to face a variety of challenges during the 2019 session. People want to know their legislators are listening and this town hall meeting is a great opportunity for us to share our thoughts in person. I hope you can join us.
Work is taking place at the Capitol as we near the Jan. 8 start of the new legislative session. While the complete set of new committee rosters is not yet in place, I have accepted an appointment to serve as the Republican lead on the House’s Subcommittee on Local Government. This will put me in a good position to advocate for local governments such as those in District 29A.
Taxpayers deserve to have a system where state and local governments mesh well to serve citizens and make the most of those tax dollars provided by hardworking Minnesotans. Our district has an interesting dynamic, with metropolitan Hennepin County flowing into Wright County and Greater Minnesota. I will be working to protect local governments in our region from the outward-pushing pressures of the metro area. Some good, common sense can go a long way and I will focus on bringing that perspective to the committee.
Stay tuned for more news from the Capitol as the new session begins. For now, have a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
God bless,
Joe