ST. PAUL – Minnesota state legislators gathered at the Capitol today for the first day of the 2015 legislative session. The eighty-ninth session of the legislature includes 26 new members of the Minnesota House of Representatives who were sworn into office along with their colleagues, including Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL- St. Paul).
“I’m excited to be here and finally getting to work,” said Rep. Pinto. “This first day is about pledging to serve our state and our constitution, but it’s also about carrying on a tradition of improving the lives of all Minnesotans, and I’m honored to be a part of this new chapter in Minnesota history.”
Rep. Pinto was joined by his wife and family for the swearing-in ceremony that took place in the Minnesota House chamber.
A long-time St. Paul resident and Ramsey County prosecutor, Rep. Pinto has been preparing for the start of his first term. Late in December, Speaker-designate Kurt Daudt appointed him to three committees: the Civil Law and Data Practices Committee, the Property Tax and Local Government Finance Division, and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee.
“I’m looking forward to finding solutions for some of the concerns raised by members of our community,” said Rep. Pinto. “One of my main priorities is going to be improving the well-being of children in our community, especially in the earliest years. We know early investments count the most toward improving outcomes and reducing the achievement gap. Parents need more tools to improve the lives of their children - from home visits, to high-quality early learning and child care assistance.”
Pinto said other areas of focus important to the St. Paul neighborhoods he represents include improving transportation infrastructure in the region, including transit, continuing investments in the E-12 education system, and ensuring the successful redevelopment of the Ford site.
“I’m in close contact with Mayor Coleman and city staff,” said Pinto. “The Ford redevelopment is an extraordinary opportunity that will affect our community for years to come.”
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