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Photo courtesy Minnesota House of Representatives
Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, addresses a House committee in this March 2, 2020 file photo. McDonald was sworn back into office Tuesday as the Minnesota Legislature began the 2021 session. Most members participated in the ceremony remotely from their St. Paul offices as a COVID-19 precaution.
ST. PAUL – State Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, performed his sixth oath of office in the Minnesota House of Representatives Tuesday as the 92nd Legislature was installed at the Capitol.
McDonald was re-elected to the House in November and represents District 29A in Wright and Hennepin counties. He has been selected as a lead Republican on the House’s Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee, along with posts on the Industrial Education and Economic Development Finance & Policy, and Taxes committees.
“It is a very humbling honor to be sworn in again to serve the people of District 29A in the House of Representatives,” McDonald said. “During these tumultuous times, it is more important than ever to represent the freedoms and values our founding fathers blessed us with through our Constitution. And it is with great vigor that I will continue to carry out the responsibilities bestowed upon me under the Constitution of the great state of Minnesota.”
As a COVID-19 precaution, Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony was conducted with many House members participating remotely from their legislative offices instead of in the chamber as is tradition. The House will continue to rely heavily on electronic means of communication to start the session.
“It is disheartening and concerning that legislative business is being conducted remotely to start the session,” McDonald said. “This could pose significant challenges as we work to address major issues in our state, particularly as we set a new two-year state budget. As we have seen with our school-age children who have been struggling in virtual classrooms, there simply is no substitute for personal interaction and that also applies to the House of Representatives. I’ve been saying for months that we need to safely re-open our state to help our children, our families and our businesses. Now, to provide Minnesotans with the legislative process they deserve is just one more reason to do so.”
McDonald welcomes constituents to call his legislative office at (651) 296-4336 or email rep.joe.mcdonald@house.mn to provide input. McDonald also sends periodic email updates with the latest information and his personal insight from St. Paul. You can sign up to receive them at www.house.mn/29a.
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