ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative Peter Fischer (DFL - Maplewood) was officially sworn in as the State Representative for District 43A as the 88th Legislative Session convened at noon on January 8th at the State Capitol. Rep. Fischer is beginning his first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving Maplewood, White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Birchwood Village, and the City of Willernie.
“It is a great honor to serve our communities at the State Capitol and I’m ready to be your voice in St. Paul,” said Rep. Fischer. “Minnesotans are expecting us to work together and focus on the issues that matter to them like responsible budgets, education, and a stronger economy. I am confident we can meet their expectations.”
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must tackle a $1.1 billion budget shortfall this year. When the money still owed to schools and inflation is included the shortfall rises to over $3 billion.
“Minnesota is facing a number of tough challenges,” said Fischer. “We must start by responsibly balancing the budget and paying back the money owed to our schools. It’s time for us to decide what we value as Minnesotans and work to set our state up for long-term growth and prosperity.”
Recognizing the difficult task ahead in balancing the state budget, Rep. Fischer signaled a desire to work in a bipartisan fashion on a solution.
“People are fed up with partisan bickering and rightfully so,” added Fischer. “I plan to work with my fellow legislators regardless of party. By working together, we can find solutions that best serve the people of Minnesota.”
Work will begin in legislative hearings throughout the coming weeks and months. This session Rep. Fischer will serve as the Vice Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee, and as a member of the Health and Human Services Finance, Housing Finance and Policy, and the Labor, Workplace, and Regulated Industries Committees.
“I’m pleased to be serving on these committees and working closely on some of the issues my constituents care about most,” said Fischer. “I’m ready to listen, learn, roll up my sleeves, and get to work.”
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Fischer encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Fischer can be reached by phone at (651) 296-5363 or by email at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.