Dear Friends,
This week I had the opportunity to join Sen. Amy Klobuchar at a meeting in Willmar about broadband. I am grateful that she is putting the focus on this important issue and hope we can do our part at the state level to bring more funding for broadband next session. That is one of my top issues heading into next year and will work with anyone—Republican or Democrat—to help build on the investments we made in 2015. Read more about the meeting in the West Central Tribune here.
Applications for the 2015 grants are due by September 15. More information on my website here. I am happy to help in any way I can if you or someone you know is applying for one of the grants.
Superintendent Meeting
I also recently met with new Willmar schools superintendent Dr. Jeff Holm. We had a great conversation on special education, technology in schools, new elementary ideas and locations, and upcoming new teacher orientation I will be helping with. I'm excited to meet Willmar's newest teacher's and am looking forward to visiting teacher's lounges again this year to hear directly how the state can assist our great educators!
Loss of a colleague
Earlier this month we lost a really good state representative, Rep. David Dill who passed away from cancer. He was a champion for Northern Minnesota who never forgot his district and who he represented. David and I had many conversations about our history together in International Falls from when my family lived there and the tourism activities we worked on. I was blessed to be able to meet up with him again in the legislature and am sad to see him go. He will be missed in the House of Representatives.
State Fair
I will be at the great Minnesota get-together, the Minnesota State fair on August 30th working at the House of Representatives booth from 2-4PM. If you are planning to visit the fair that day, I hope you'll stop by the Education Building where the House of Reps booth is located.
Welcome to many of the new subscribers to this list who signed from the Kandiyohi County Fair. I am really honored to be your representative, and be able to work on your behalf at the Capitol. I love hearing your thoughts and concerns and will continue working on the issues I know are important to folks in our area; broadband, passing a long-term road and bridge plan, and helping with area bonding projects during the upcoming session. Please email call or catch me around town any time! I am here to listen and to work for you. 651-296-6206 or rep.dave.baker@house.mn.
And finally I have to say how lucky I am to be celebrating my 30th anniversary (Aug 31st) to my High school sweetheart Mary. What a life we have lived, had three amazing children and made so many dear friends over the years. Thanks to everyone who's been a part of our life over the past 30 years! I love you Mary!
Take care,
Dave