Dear Neighbor,
The 91st Legislature is officially convened after we were sworn into office Tuesday at the Capitol. Like any Opening Day, the start of the new Legislative session brings hope. In this case, it is optimism that we can find solutions for the challenges we face in Minnesota ... especially rural parts of the state like ours.
I am honored to have been re-elected to the House in November, continuing to represent District 16A (encompassing most of Lyon County and portions of Lac qui Parle, Redwood and Yellow Medicine). My committee duties for the biennium include recently having been selected as the lead Republican on the House Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Division. I also am serving on the Commerce and Taxes committees.
Committees will formally get up and running next week. A couple of my broad priorities this session include finding solutions for reducing health care costs by building on nationally recognized reforms we led to enactment during the last biennium, along with providing tax relief. We passed the largest tax relief bill in nearly two decades in the last biennium and the state has only grown stronger, with record-low unemployment and a $1.5 billion surplus. It’s time to return some of that over-collection in taxes to the taxpayers.
I am most interested in looking for ways we can make improvements to benefit the economy and our way of life in District 16A and Greater Minnesota in general. With a new political landscape at the Capitol, it will be as important as ever to advocate for the people in rural Minnesota so we can strengthen our local communities for the long haul.
We will take a closer look at these issues and more as things develop at the Capitol. Your input is welcome along the way and you can reach me by emailing rep.chris.swedzinksi@house.mn or by calling (651) 296-5374.
Have a great weekend,
Chris