|
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well.
The Minnesota House of Representatives lost a bright light. My colleague and friend, Representative Diane Loeffler passed away Saturday evening after her courageous battle with cancer. She cared deeply about the people of Minnesota, especially those she represented in Northeast Minneapolis. Rep. Loeffler worked thoughtfully and tirelessly to put the needs of her community and Minnesota first. I was grateful to have served with her on the Health and Human Services Policy Committee. Her work and spirit will live on.
Veterans Day
Last Monday, we observed Veterans Day. It’s not enough to simply thank the brave women and men who wear our county’s uniform one day a year. Our Veterans and their families deserve our continued support, respect, and gratitude.
This past legislative session, lawmakers delivered full funding for both the state Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Military Affairs to support those currently wearing the uniform as well as those who have served previously, along with funding for Veterans Service Organizations, Honor Guards, the Gold Star Program, and the Minnesota GI Bill. We also invested in the expansion of the C.O.R.E (Counseling and Case Management, Outreach, Referral and Education) program to address veteran homelessness. Our state budget funded other priorities like the Helmets to Hardhats program, which helps veterans enter building and construction apprenticeship programs which lead to rewarding, good-paying careers, and Veterans’ Voices, a program through the Minnesota Humanities Center which helps amplify and preserve experiences, stories, and narratives.
As we reflect upon the sacrifices our military service members have made – and will continue to make – I’m committed to ensuring that when their missions are finished, they return home to supportive and caring communities. One of the initiatives my colleagues and I have been working on is expanding the use of Veterans Courts and except for serious crimes, could divert a veteran to treatment or another restorative justice-based program.
Be Heard on Cannabis
I’m inviting community members to join the conversation about how we can safely and responsibly create a comprehensive framework for legalization and the most thoughtful adult-use cannabis law in the country. Here are the details of the upcoming event:
Thursday, December 5 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Maple Grove Government Center, 12800 Arbor Lakes Pkwy N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
|