Dear neighbors,
I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend! Labor Day reminds me of the workers who fought for many of the rights and freedoms that we have today, including collective bargaining rights, workplace safety laws, Social Security, and dignified working conditions. Thanks to the advocacy and persistence of workers, the Legislature made further progress this year. We passed the strongest wage theft and enforcement law in the country, expanded tax credits for working families, and secured training opportunities for Minnesotans who want to develop new skills or start their own business.
But there’s more work to be done. I’ll continue to stand with hard-working Minnesotans to defend the right to a safe workplace and the opportunity to make a living for themselves and their families.
House Committee Visits Blaine
On Wednesday, the House Capital Investment Committee visited Blaine to learn more about local infrastructure projects. I joined my colleagues on their tour of the National Sports Center to advocate for much-needed repairs and upgrades. The National Sports Center serves thousands of local families and welcomes nearly four million visitors each year, so the many fields, rinks, and facilities need frequent maintenance.
I also spoke with my colleagues about building a public safety training facility in Blaine. Fire fighters, law enforcement, public works crews, and emergency managers from the greater Twin Cities area would use the facility to train and prepare for dangerous situations. It would bring jobs to the area and make our communities safer. I’ll continue working with elected officials in our area and at the Legislature to try and make these plans a reality!
Legislator of Distinction
The League of Minnesota Cities recently selected me as a Legislator of Distinction. This award is given to lawmakers who successfully work with local officials to meet the unique needs of their community. I was honored to be recognized, and I look forward to continuing my work with community leaders next year.
More information about the award is available here.
Community Events
All of the events that are taking place in our community have kept me busy lately!
Clara had lots of fun at Night to Unite!
Last week I joined several of my colleagues and Senator Tina Smith for Women’s Equality Day, an annual celebration held on the day that the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified.
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is hosting an open house later this month. Anoka County residents will be able to tour the Sheriff’s Office and forensic laboratory, talk with law enforcement professionals, watch K-9 demonstrations, and drop off unneeded prescription drugs for safe disposal.
When: Thursday, September 19 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, 13301 Hanson Boulevard NW, Andover, MN 55034
Back to School
Many Minnesotans are starting a new school year this week. Please drive carefully, particularly around school buses, and remember to keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians.
Best wishes to all of the students and parents who are starting a new school year, and thank you to the teachers and staff who work so hard to help young Minnesotans achieve their goals in the classroom and the community. Have a great school year!
Sincerely,
Erin Koegel
State Representative