I also wanted to let you know about our next virtual coffee hour, which will be held on Zoom on Saturday, October 23 at 4:00 p.m. Please note the new afternoon time. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP with my legislative assistant, Isabel, at Isabel.anderson@house.mn to receive the information about how to join. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.  Public Input Needed from DNRThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun a public process to determine the adequacy of existing mining rules for protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from nonferrous (aka copper-nickel or sulfide-ore) mining. The DNR will be accepting comments from members of the public between Nov. 9 - Dec. 8. I encourage constituents to sign-up to receive notification and guidance from the DNR when the public comment period is open. Minnesota Values Project SurveyCOVID-19 has created extraordinary challenges for our families, schools, and businesses. Nineteen months of the pandemic have exacerbated the wide disparities Minnesotans continue to face. In response to this, my colleagues and I are reaching out to residents of our state to see how we can deliver assistance and work together to enact policies that reflect our shared values as Minnesotans. You’re invited to take a short, four-question survey to help us in these efforts. It’s important to have Apple Valley and Lakeville voices included. Thanks in advance for your time and participation.  Keep in TouchHave a great weekend, and please, keep in touch with questions or input. I can be reached at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn or 651-296-5506. Take care. Sincerely, Robert Bierman State Representative |