Dear Friends,
Some updates from Saint Paul:
Constituent Visits and School Tour
Last week it was wonderful to welcome students from Owatonna's Alternative School to learn about alternative school options and their legislative priorities.
I also had the opportunity to tour Medford Schools with Superintendent John Currie, and welcomed members of the Steele County Board to Saint Paul. Banker's Day on the Hill took place last week, and I had the chance to speak with constituents from Reliance Bank and Community Bank in Owatonna.
If you or a group you are involved with are planning on visiting St. Paul and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact me at rep.john.petersburg@house.mn or call 651-296-5368.
State of the State
Dozens of business owners from throughout the state were special guests of House Republican members as Gov. Mark Dayton delivered his State of the Speech Address this week. The business owners participated in a very productive roundtable discussion with House members prior to Dayton's speech. I was pleased to have been joined by Mike Milstead from Ag Power, whose main office is in Owatonna. The job creators shared a number of concerns about the Governor's proposed budget. A few of the points we heard from business owners small and large include:
· “The governor’s budget will make us downsize our business and we've already downsized because of the economy.”
· “I'm looking to neighboring states to expand.”
· “It is insulting to be demonized as the job creators.”
· “We are labeled as the rich who need to pay their fair share but all my income goes into my business.”
· “We are hurting and we aren't the big corporations.”
Gun Bill Hearings
The Minnesota House Public Safety Committee spent most of this week debating a series of bills that address gun use in our state. Hundreds of concerned citizens from across the state descended on the Capitol to voice their concerns about the bills which they believe violate the Second Amendment. I have received hundreds of emails from Second Amendment supporters opposing these pieces of legislation, and intend to vote against any attempts to limit our Second Amendment rights.
Have a great week,
John Petersburg
State Representative, District 24A