 Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well. Today, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman announced a bipartisan power-sharing agreement that will allow the Minnesota House to legally organize and begin conducting business during today’s session at 3:30 p.m. The will of the voters will be respected by the Minnesota House seating Representative Brad Tabke and agreeing to shared power guiding the body for the next two years. Today we turn the page and will focus on governing together to deliver the outcomes Minnesotans are relying on. I’m looking forward to discussing this, and the issues important to you this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Dunn Brothers Coffee (15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124). These have always been productive and respectful conversations and I look forward to connecting in person. I value hearing directly from you in person at these events.  The work continues in Apple Valley and across the state. As the DFL Co-Chair of the Health Finance Committee, much of my focus has been on seeing how different health care models are working for Minnesotans. Here’s a look at some of those visits and others: I had a productive meeting at Northwestern Health Sciences University this week, learning about what they offer to educate, train, and prepare Minnesota's future health care workforce.  I attended a rural Emergency Medical Services meeting with M Health Fairview and the Minnesota Ambulance Association. Moving forward again this year to help with EMS response is a critical priority.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet with Hennepin County Medical Center nurses to learn more about their day-to-day. Safe patient-to-staff ratios are critical in this work, and as the co-chair of the Health Finance Committee, it's an honor to partner with them on legislative solutions that uphold the standard of care Minnesotans expect and deserve.  I also recently stopped by the Minnesota Zoo with House Capital Investment Co-Chair Representative Fue, Senator Erin Maye Quade, and Representative John Huot to get an update on the status of the Operating Room for large animals (it's still too small and needs to be expanded!), and to check in with the City regarding their bonding request for the Apple Valley Sports Arena. Grateful for these incredible amenities in our community; I support strong state investments to keep them up and accessible for generations to come.   Keep in TouchEven if you can’t make it on Saturday, I hope you’ll continue to reach out with any questions or input. I always appreciate constructive feedback from Apple Valley residents. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the state legislature. Sincerely, Robert Bierman
State Representative |