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 this letter finds you well and you are thawing from the frigid temps that this week has brought. I am looking forward to more mild temperatures this weekend and into next week. Thank you for taking the time to read my update to you!  FFA WeekFirst of all, Happy National FFA Week. As a former FFA member, I am proud to celebrate this week, as well as the organization and the students who participate. FFA had a lasting impact on me and I am grateful for both the chance to participate in the past and support the mission now. HF12The past few weeks, we have been focusing heavily on girls sports, following the Minnesota State High School League's (MSHSL) decision to allow male athletes to compete in female sports. Rep. Peggy Scott introduced HF12, which preserves girls sports by only allowing biological females to participate. This bill passed through the Education Policy Committee and is now on the General Register, waiting to be heard on the House floor. Bonding BillsI constantly think about my responsibility to represent our communities while I am here in St. Paul. One thing that I am fighting for back home is funds to complete some much needed community projects. I will be introducing bills very shortly for bonding for the following projects: the Faribault Nature Center, parks in Faribault, and a research trial for cleanliness of a local lake. I am grateful for the feedback I have gotten from community members so that I have the information I need to draft legislation for local projects. MeetingsI met with so many interesting groups and individuals this week. Thank you to everyone who visited, pictured or not!  I was able to attend an event with Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL). It was great to hear what they had to say, especially in conjunction with other visitors in the agriculture sector. Pictured to the left is the event, and then a few of the folks I chatted with below.   Here are a few gentlemen that I met with from the Minnesota soybean growers. The agriculture focus this week was very interesting to me! I also met with the Minnesota corn growers, but I wasn't able to snap a picture. These students joined me from Minnesota's South Central College. Especially as a member of the Higher Education Committee, it's always great to see and hear from students when they take a trip to the Capitol.  Finally, I had the chance to meet with several students and staff from the U of MN during their day on the hill. Student athletes Koi Perich (football) and Mya Hooten (gymnastics) brought the coveted axe to show off at the Capitol. I was also fortunate enough to meet with university President Dr. Rebecca Cunningham. Thanks to all who stopped by this week! |