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 UpdateGreetings friends and neighbors, It has been a full and busy week at the Capitol. Many meetings, bills moving through committees and towards the House floor, and planning in-district availability. I am excited to share it all with you! Committee WorkIn my committees, we have continued our look at the governor's budget. It is good to have everyone back in the legislature so that we can interact across the aisle as we look forward to establishing our budget this session. One thing is clear: that we need to cut costs to alleviate the burden on families across the state, because we are all feeling the effects of last session's tax hikes and increased expenditures. We have already introduced legislation that will start putting money back in the pockets of average Minnesotans, such as HF18 and HF194. I will continue to fight for you and update as we make headway on this goal. Meetings and VisitorsRepresentative Tom Sexton and I had the chance to meet with the Farm Bureau early this week. These folks visited from the Rice, Waseca, and Goodhue County areas. They voiced concerns that they have for next year, what they want for legislation, and the hope that they have for us to reign in outrageous legislation from last session. Thank you to these gentlemen for taking the time to visit us and chat.  I had breakfast with the Faribault superintendent this morning, which was a great opportunity to discuss our local schools and how they are operating. We talked about critical issues in the Faribault schools, which are the same or similar to issues that many other schools in greater Minnesota are facing. We also discussed some potential solutions to these pressing issues.  I also had the opportunity to meet with constituents from Faribault golf club as part of the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendent Association, and constituents from Faribault who work for Minnesota Coaches as school bus drivers in the Faribault school district. Thank you to all who took the time to visit and talk to me at the Capitol this week. I look forward to continued conversations. Upcoming: Capitol Help DeskI am excited to share that I am working on setting up in-district 'Capitol help desk' opportunities. My job as a legislator is to be your voice in St. Paul, and I need to hear from you in order to do that. I am also committed to creating space to be available and get to know folks in district. The details aren't worked out yet, but when they are I will share them with you. I look forward to connecting! Happy Valentine's DayI hope you have the chance to spend time with those you love today or this weekend. I am grateful for the opportunity to take the weekend and spend time with my wife and kids at home. |