Dear Friends,
Another week is in the books here in Saint Paul. It was a week full of committee work and testimony as bills begin to work their way through the legislative process.
I'm enjoying hearing from members of the public, state officials, and issue experts who are sharing their perspective and thoughts on legislation in committee.
I had the chance to attend the MCCL March for Life rally yesterday in front of the Capitol. People from across the state gathered to rally for the pro-life cause, and it was great to see a large bipartisan group of legislators there standing with them. Thanks to everyone who made the trip to support life—You can count on me to continue to support the pro-life cause here at the legislature.
Yesterday I also met with members of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program who came from Willmar, New London, and Milan to talk about rural agriculture issues. Agriculture issues are such a huge part of our district's economy, and it's great to see this legislature looking at ways to make the lives of farmers and agriculture workers easier and less expensive. I can't wait to see what legislation we're able to come up with to ease overly-burdensome regulations and take some of the pressure off our farmers.
Last weekend I held the first of my lunch meetings with area school teachers. My first meeting was at Roosevelt Elementary School in Willmar. I have plans to meet with teachers from every one of our schools in the district, setting up for lunch in the teachers lounge and simply listening to what issues teachers are facing, and what suggestions they have on ways that the legislature can work with local school districts to improve outcomes for Minnesota students.
These meetings are helpful for me to gather feedback and better understand what teachers and school administrators deal with on a day-to-day basis. I want the legislature to be a helpful partner to school districts to work toward our common goal of giving Minnesota kids the best education we possibly can.
Coffee with Dave and Lyle tomorrow
Tomorrow, Sen. Lyle Koenen and I will be having the first of our "Coffee with Lyle and Dave" at 9AM at the Goodness Coffee House at 333 Litchfield Ave. This is a time for you to come for a morning of coffee and conversation about the legislative session and what's going on in Saint Paul. I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. We will be scheduling more of these coffee meetings around the district in the coming months.
If you are unable to attend, please keep sending me your comments, questions, and feedback. I'm here to serve you and want to know what issues are important to you, what policies are impacting your life, and what we can do here in Saint Paul to make your lives easier. You can reach me by email at rep.dave.baker@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6206.
On the Calendar
Some events coming up this weekend:
The 2015 Spicer WinterFest Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks takes place tomorrow at Saulsbury Beach at 7PM. The WinterFest Bonfire is also going on from 3-6PM with free horse and buggy rides. Plenty of fun for everyone in the family. On Sunday, if you like hockey, the Green Lake Pond Hockey Tournament will be going on all day as well. Hope you're able to get out there and enjoy what should be a nice weekend.
For a full list of events, please visit www.spicermn.com.
Have a great weekend,
Dave Baker
State Representative, District 17B