Friends and Neighbors,
Some updates from the Capitol:
Jobs & Energy Committee Coming to Willmar
With the Capitol undergoing renovation, I'm thrilled to be able to bring part of the legislature to Willmar. On Monday, the Jobs & Energy Committee will be in town to hear the Rural Propane Relief Act, a bill I've been working on to expand access and affordability of propane and natural gas in Greater Minnesota.
The hearing will take place in the Life Sciences Auditorium at the Minn-West Technology Campus starting at 9:30AM. This event is completely open to the public, and we hope to see many of you there. You can RSVP (not required) and get more information on the Facebook event page here.
Pay Raises for Commissioners
Yesterday we learned that Governor Dayton approved more than $700,000 in pay increases for his commissioners and political appointees.
A couple quick thoughts:
-Nearly all of these commissioners were already making six-figure salaries. Some are receiving pay increases upwards of $35,000.
-I’m having a really tough time hearing that the DHS commissioner and others are going to get big pay increases while they seek to cut mental health services in parts of the state including here in Willmar. I will work very hard on this to try and understand where the Governor is coming from, and make sure our tax dollars are being well-spent.
AgCentric
This week, I was proud to join Dr. Doug Allen from Ridgewater at the press conference announcing a new partnership called AgCentric which will partner with MNSCU—including Ridgewater College in Willmar—to focus on educating workers in the ag industry. We face a shortage of skilled workers in the ag industry, and this partnership will be a great collaboration that helps students and employers alike.
Polar Plunge
Thanks to my colleagues Sen. Lyle Koenen, and Reps. Drew Christensen, Sarah Anderson, Jeff Howe and Tim Miller who came to the Polar Plunge last weekend. We had a great time jumping in for a great cause—Special Olympics Minnesota.
Upcoming Events
As part of Spicer Winter Fest, local fire departments from our area will be competing in the 9th Annual Fire Department Softball tournament. The event is free and open to the public, and starts tomorrow at 9AM in Spicer at the Green Lake Baseball Diamonds. More information on the Spicer Fire Department Facebook page here.
Stay in Touch
-Like my Facebook page
-Follow my updates on Twitter
-Email me at rep.dave.baker@house.mn or call 651-296-6206.
Have a great weekend,
Dave Baker
State Representative, District 17B