If you would like to contact Rep. Allen, DO NOT reply to this email. Please reach out directly to rep.keith.allen@house.mn.gov. Legislative UpdateDear friends and neighbors, I hope you are doing well and have enjoyed the warmer temperatures that this week offered. 66 Democrats Missing, We Only Need OneThe Supreme Court (MN) ruled last week that the House of Representative needs 68 members to conduct official business. As you may know, the Republicans currently have 67 members and the Democrats have no-showed the first several weeks of session and will likely hold out until after a special election in March. What this means for us is that everything we did the first 2 weeks of session has been effectively erased, and we can't move forward with committee meetings, house sessions, or anything else formal. The House is officially at the mercy of this "Democrat Shutdown". Myself and my GOP colleagues will continue to show up for work, and it's well past time that the Democrats do the same. Each representative is making the individual decision not to come to work every day, and if just one of them was brave enough to come to the Capitol and work for their constituents, we could get back to official business. Rice County Meetings I took a mid-week trip to Rice County and was able to meet with both the County Administrator and the Rice County Sheriff. It was great to have conversations about public safety and the overall functioning of the county with these important community members. I am always grateful to meet with staff and residents in district so that I have a better idea of the issues that matter most and what I can do to help. Priority: EducationAs many of you may have heard this week, it was announced this week that the Kenyon-Wanamingo elementary school will be shutting down and consolidating with the middle and high school after this academic year. This news is obviously very sad, and will effect my family along with many others. It also highlights the fact that our school district and many others in outstate Minnesota are facing serious issues like this one. As your state representative, I have a responsibility to help in times like these and I sincerely want to. Unfortunately, without Democrats here at the Capitol we can't do official work to alleviate the stresses that too many mandates and not enough funding are causing our schools. As Democrats eventually return to work, I look forward to working across the aisle on issues like these that are effecting communities across Minnesota. In District EventsThis past week I also attended the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism's Annual Membership Gala. It was a great night to spend in the community and celebrate the work of our Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to attending the 49th annual Faribault Lions Pancake and Sausage Feast this Sunday starting at 7:30am at the Faribault Legion. Trinity Lutheran Church is hosting the 'Souper Bowl 2025' this Sunday from 9:30-noon at the TLC Discipling Center. Check it out for a meal including soup, a breadstick, a cookie, and a drink!  Please Contact MeI am here for you! If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to talk, I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or by email. Thank you! Representative Keith Allen |