Dear Neighbors, Happy Summer! Our season of sunshine and warmth is in full swing and I hope you’re enjoying every minute. A big thank you to everyone who attended Explore West Saint Paul Days and made it such a success! I enjoyed being out and about, chatting with neighbors, and getting to know more of each of you. West Saint Paul also hosted its first Pride event this year, which had over 500 attendees. It was a great day to celebrate our LGBTQ community.  I’m already looking forward to Inver Grove Heights Days in September.  You’re Invited: District 53 Town Hall MeetingI hope you can make it to our District 53 Town Hall Meeting on Monday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Inver Glen Library in Inver Grove Heights. We’ll give a brief overview of the legislative session and our communities’ historic wins, and then go to questions to hear what’s on your mind. Please feel free to share this information with neighbors who might not be on this mailing list and have interest in community and state engagement.  Minnesota NewsOn July 1, new state laws took effect; funding will be delivered to our area schools to help with literacy, mental health, Special Education and English language learning resources for our students; veterans AND their spouses will now also be able to access PTSD care from legislation I carried; and so much more. You can find a comprehensive list of all the new laws from the nonpartisan office of House Public Information here.  Minnesota Earns 5th Business-Friendly State in the CountryBy passing a fiscally responsible, people-powered budget that invests in Minnesotans, their families, and an innovative workforce, we’ve recently earned a spot in the top 5 business friendly states. The work is far from over, and there’s certainly more we can do to support working families and mainstreet small businesses. I look forward to hearing your ideas and input ahead of the 2024 legislative session, which is slated to begin February 12th.  Giving Back to our CommunitiesLast year the Residents of Color Collective (ROCC) distributed 465 backpacks, serving over 80 families. Their goal this year is to reach over 200 families and distribute 1,000 backpacks. You can help by donating at one of the designated drop off zones at Amore Coffee 879 Smith Ave or 189 Thompson Ave E Apt 2. Stay tuned for more details for the Back to School event on August 19th in West Saint Paul.  State Fair New 2023 Food Selections The beginning of the State Fair is a little over a month away, and in anticipation of our Great Minnesota Get Together, new foods have been announced. Bacon wrapped waffledogs, lutefisk tacos, and cotton candy lemonades are just a few of the newest creations to make an appearance this year. You can find the list here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out over the summer and fall with input, ideas, and questions at rep.mary.frances@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3533. I’m always happy to provide assistance if you need it! Enjoy the weekend! Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |