Legislative Update I hope you all had a great Christmas. I was so blessed to get my whole family all home to attend Christmas Eve service at Living Stones Church here in Cokato. With the kids all growing up and heading off in their own directions I cherish all of the time we get to spend together.  I was pleased to present a House Resolution to Ridgewater College's Meat Cutting Program for the program's significant contributions to workforce development and its role in supporting the state's agricultural sector. The program was established to address the growing demand for skilled meat processing professionals, offers comprehensive training in meat cutting, safety protocols, and industry standards. Legislators have praised the program for its effectiveness in preparing students for immediate employment, thereby strengthening Minnesota's meat processing industry. This underscores the importance of vocational education in meeting industry needs and enhancing economic growth within our state.  With the new year begun the next legislative session is right around the corner. As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I invite you to share your priorities, concerns, and ideas on the issues that matter most to you and our community. Your input is invaluable in shaping the decisions we make in Saint Paul for our state. Please send me an email at Rep.Dawn.Gillman@house.mn.gov or call my office at 651-296-4228, and if you happen to be in Saint Paul, I would love the opportunity to meet with you in person. Please don’t hesitate to stop by my office or schedule a time to visit. I’m here to listen and work on your behalf! House Republican MajorityWith the State House race in 40B heading to a special election on January 28th we will be beginning the legislative session with a one seat majority. This means that all of the organizational steps at the beginning of session will be led by Speaker-designate Rep. Lisa Demuth. Another race over in district 54A continues to make headlines as the lawsuit over 20 missing ballots continues. The race was decided by just 14 votes meaning these 20 ballots could have shifted the entire race and the entire balance of power in the House for the next two years. Either one of these races could deliver our caucus a permanent majority for the entire biennium. |