Hello from the State Capitol,
This week, we learned the maps of new legislative districts in the State Legislature. A special panel of five state judges released its redistricting plan for the Minnesota Legislature on February 15. The plan is necessary due to population changes recorded from the 2020 census.
Here is the redistricting breakdown, as it relates to residents of the current House District 22A, which is comprised of communities in Lincoln, Lyon, Pipestone, Murray, Nobles, and Rock counties.
The current House District 22A largely becomes the new House District 21A will now be comprised of Rock, Pipestone, Lincoln, and Murray counties in their entirety.
All of Lyon County will now become part of a new House District 15A.
The new House District 21A also includes the western portion of Nobles County, including the cities of Adrian, Ellsworth, Lismore, and Wilmont, along with the neighboring townships.
A significant portion of Cottonwood County will also be added to the new House District 21A, including the cities of Jeffers, Storden, and Westbrook.
With population gain in the Twin Cities, I was worried that we would lose border-city and border-county seats in the adjustment. I am thankful to see that in Southwestern Minnesota that is not the case.
The new district lines will take effect in January. More details can be found here: https://mncourts.gov/2021redistrictingpanel
REMEMBERING FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE ‘DOC’ MULDER
I was saddened to learn that former a former state representative for our area, Richard ‘Doc’ Mulder, has passed away.
Doc was in office when I first got interested and involved in public service. I wasn't even old enough to drive, yet Doc made the effort to come down to Luverne often to discuss issues and current events. He left a lot of good memories with long time workers at the Capitol that I've enjoyed hearing during my time there.
Doc served us well in southwestern Minnesota, and I will miss him. Please keep his wife Ruth and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
To learn more about his funeral arrangements, please click here.
HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF CONGRESSMAN JIM HAGEDORN
The breaking news this morning that Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away last night offers another moment of reflection.
Jim had made a life out of public service and was proud of the work he did. He always remembered the people he was serving. We didn't always agree on the best solution to issues, but he was always willing for the discussion. Above everything, what most impressed me is that while Rock County made up less than 2% of his district, he remained a regular visitor to the area. It was less than three months ago that he had his last town hall in Luverne as he took no part of his district for granted.
Details on arrangements are pending.
Have a good weekend,
Joe