The 2013 legislative session convened last week and I am excited to again represent the people of District 16A. I’ll be serving in my second term in the Minnesota House and look forward to representing the counties of Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine, and the northern half of Lyon County, including Lynd Township, Island Lake Township, Lake Marshall Township, Clifton Township and the city of Marshall; I also represent Underwood, Westline, Vesta and Gales Townships in Redwood County.
I have been appointed to serve on the following committees: Capital Investment, Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy, and Higher Education Finance and Policy. I was also appointed by the Minority Leader to the Legislative Energy Commission and now serve as a Deputy Whip in the Republican caucus.
Looking Out For Agriculture
During the opening day of the Minnesota House of Representatives, my colleagues and I proposed an amendment to the temporary rules of the House that made sure agriculture wasn’t forgotten under the metro DFL leadership now in control. After winning the majority, DFL Speaker Paul Thissen moved the important functions of the House Agriculture Finance Committee into the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and eliminated that committee from existence. This new committee, made up of environmental and agriculture duties, is chaired by Rep. Wagenius of Minneapolis with no agriculture experience and a history of voting against the interests of Greater Minnesota and agriculture in general. I spoke with the Marshall Independent about my concerns on this issue and you can read the article here.
House Republicans made the case to return agriculture funding and program oversight back to its own committee with leaders that thoroughly support Minnesota farmers, but DFL’ers voted “No.” Agriculture employs one in five Minnesotans, either directly or indirectly, and we can’t afford to put this critical piece of our state economy on the back burner. I will continue to support the GOP amendment to give Agriculture Finance its own committee again and a proper chair that respects Minnesota’s vital farm community.
I've also recorded two audio interviews that you can access and listen to on the House website here.
I thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have. I can be reached at 651-296-5374 or by e-mail at rep.chris.swedzinski@house.mn.