ST. PAUL, Minn. — State Representative Mary Frances Clardy (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) has been appointed by the Citizens League to the Minnesota Legislative Exchange (MLE), a first-in-the-nation initiative designed to build trust and forge bipartisan relationships among state legislators.
"I am honored to join this groundbreaking program that aims to bridge political divides through meaningful connection," said Representative Clardy. "At a time when polarization challenges our ability to govern effectively, the MLE offers a path toward understanding and collaboration."
Led by the Citizens League, a Minnesota's nonpartisan nonprofit focused on civic engagement and public policy solutions, the MLE pairs legislators from opposite political parties to visit each other's districts. The program emphasizes connecting representatives from dissimilar districts across geography, culture, politics, and demographics. Representative Clardy and Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) have paired up and will both spend 12-36 hours in each other’s districts to showcase the unique strengths and challenges of each community.
The MLE aims to identify policy issues of shared importance, foster deeper connections across party lines, and build understanding about local challenges and opportunities throughout Minnesota.
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