Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Dear Neighbors, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your holiday weekend is filled with warmth, good company and food, and a time to reflect with gratitude. I’m looking forward to things slowing down a bit and spending quality time with my wife Angela and our sons.  Now that the election has come and gone, the Minnesota Legislature is gearing up for the 2025 legislative session. Our primary focus will be to craft a two year state budget. As I’m sure you’ve heard, the state house is tied 67-67, giving us another distinct opportunity to deliver for Minnesota and our communities. You may recall when I was first elected in 2018, our state had the only divided state House (DFL) and Senate (GOP) in the country. That session in 2019 allowed Democrats and Republicans to create a new emergency insulin access program, target tax cuts for working families, invest in our schools, save more lives by requiring cell phones to be in “hands free” mode, and more. I spoke with the Sun Current about what a divided state House could look like and my continued commitment to getting the job done for our neighbors. You can read the story here. Legislative UpdateI recently had the chance to connect with the dedicated fire department team in Eagan, where I received a recognition award from the Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association for our Emergency Medical Services work together.  As we gathered, it became increasingly clear that our commitment to innovation in this area is paramount. When an individual calls 911, they are often experiencing one of the most challenging moments of their lives, and it is our duty to ensure that they receive a prompt and effective response. This requires not only the dedication of our first responders but also the adoption of advanced resources and technology that can enhance our overall capabilities. Together, we can ensure that every emergency call is met with the right response, saving lives and providing essential care in times of need. Thank you to the Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association for this acknowledgment and for the ongoing support of our shared mission. I also had a chance recently to speak with the members of the Farmers Union and reconnect with my student partners, with whom I worked on an initiative that holds great significance for our agricultural future.  Since it was passed into law last year, our efforts to advocate for the state agricultural license plate have yielded impressive results, raising over $120,000. This funding has been instrumental in supporting the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H programs, which are critical to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.  The progress we’ve made is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved, and it reflects the importance of collaboration between educators, students, and members of the agricultural community. Keep in TouchPlease continue to keep in touch and contact me anytime with questions or input. You can email me at rep.john.huot@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4306. I’m planning a community conversation in our area in January; stay tuned for those details. You’re also welcome to stay up to date on Capitol and community updates by following me on my Facebook page. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend! Take care, John |