Winter Update & Season's Greetings

Dear Neighbors,

Season’s Greetings! The holidays are in full swing and I hope you’d had a chance to enjoy the warmth of gathering with loved ones this season.

You may have seen Plymouth in the news recently for the ‘3,000 Acts of Kindness’ event at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Plymouth's Coated In Love nonprofit served thousands of Minnesotans this year in partnership with 60 social service agencies to meet basic needs, such as mental health and addiction, and provide job placement resources for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. If you’re interested, you can learn more about Coated In Love, their mission, and donation drop off information here.

Now that the election has come and gone, our focus in the House has shifted to how we build the most efficient infrastructure to conduct our business for the state under a historic 67-67 tie. 

Leader Melissa Hortman and Republican Leader Lisa Demuth have agreed to an overall committee structure. The membership of committees will be equally divided and represented by DFL and Republican co-chairs. 

I’m looking forward to continuing the good work of improving Minnesota’s state government operations as the co-chair of the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee.

Budget Forecast; Stable Outlook for Minnesota

Earlier this month, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released Minnesota’s state budget forecast, showing a $3.7 billion surplus in the current biennium and a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle. The budget outlook also showed the highest “Rainy Day” fund or budget reserve – in state history totaling $3.5 billion.

If federal tariffs do in fact take effect next year, our state’s largest trading partners will be impacted, which would harm our local economy. Now more than ever, we must budget responsibly while working to lower costs for working people and families. 

A budget blueprint will begin to take shape after we receive an updated economic forecast in February.

As we work on a new state budget this year, I’ll continue to show up with the same bipartisan values I’ve carried with me to get the job done at the State Capitol for our communities: collaboration, respect, and compromise.

Plymouth Boulevard Ribbon Cutting

In late October, I was delighted to join my legislative colleagues and state leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Plymouth Boulevard reconstruction project. After careful and deliberate planning, with safety at top of mind, four new roundabouts have been installed between Rockford Road and Highway 55. I’m excited about these significant improvements that will help address major issues, like heavy traffic and lack of pedestrian access we’ve had along these corridors.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas as we head into January. I can be reached via email at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-5511. Your input drives our good work at the State Capitol for Plymouth and Medicine Lake.

Happy Holidays!

Warmly,
Ginny Klevorn
State Representative