St. Paul - State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Elmore) began his first term in office Tuesday as he was sworn in as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
"Being sworn in as a state representative is the most humbling experience of my life," Olson said. "It is an honor to serve the people of District 23A, and I look forward to representing their interests at the State Capitol."
Rep. Olson said he was also pleased with his Minnesota House committee assignments. For the next two years, Olson will serve on the Local Government Division, as well as the Transportation Finance and Policy and Rules and Legislative Administration committees.
Olson said he was disappointed that the House DFL majority chose to combine the agriculture finance and agriculture policy committees into one committee for the next two years, meaning there will be fewer voices able to debate the future of agriculture in our state at the committee level.
Olson, who is a farmer, said he requested the combined ag committee as his top priority, but was not placed there as Republicans only have 4 available seats on that committee.
"Although I'm not on the ag committee this biennium, there are very strong Republican farmers on that committee that I will be able to work closely with to promote agriculture in our state," Olson said. "But as a former mayor I am pleased to be on the local government committee, and I also look forward to prioritizing rural roads and bridge needs in the transportation committee."
Rep. Olson encourages you to contact him with any legislative questions or concerns. He can be reached by phone at 651-296-3240. He can also be contacted via e-mail at rep.bjorn.olson@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.