If you would like to contact Rep. Sexton, DO NOT reply to this email. Please reach out directly to rep.tom.sexton@house.mn.gov. Legislative Update I hope this letter reaches you well, I am thankful for the opportunity to share another update with you this week. I met with many constituents and outside groups this week, and heard across the board about the challenges that mandates and higher costs of living are causing. Meeting with the Farm BureauRepresentative Keith Allen and I had the chance to connect with some of our friends from the Farm Bureau this week. It was great to meet with them, hear their concerns, and the true impact of the devastating early season rains from last year. Similar to our schools and small businesses, our farmers were negatively impacted by the outrageous mandates implemented over the last two years and they need relief now.  Visitors from Owatonna In addition, it was great to see some familiar faces from Owatonna this week. Mayor Matt Jessop, several city council members, and other officials came to the Capitol and took the time to stop and say hi. Mayor Jessop brought me a City of Owatonna pin for my jacket. Thank you all for stopping by!  Pictured, from left to right Back row: Nathan Dotson, Doug Voss, Don McCann, Kris Busse, Kevin Raney Front row: Jenna Tuma, Matt Jessop, Rep. Sexton, Dan Boeke Other Visitors On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet Kaia Elstad and Maria Knutson at the Capitol for Athletic Training Day. Truth be told, my cousin, Professor Patrick Sexton is one of their instructors. As always, we are pleased to see our future healthcare professionals participating in our government activities and discussing their very important issues with us. It was great to meet Ed, Andy, and Dakota, who are all students from the U of MN - Duluth. These students participate in Student Government Association in various roles. It is great to see young adults interested and engaged in government, and it was a very interesting to meet and speak to these young leaders. Thank you for the visit!  State Government CommitteeIn State Government Committee, Rep. Jim Nash introduced HF3 this week. This bill aims to prevent fraud by establishing "fraud notes," meaning that an entity must submit a report to the committee regarding their implementation of audit recommendations before they can receive money from the legislature. The report will help reveal potential for fraud and must be shown in a public hearing before money is appropriated. With fraud running rampant in our state right now, it is imperative that we address it and make the necessary changes to prevent it in the future. House Republicans also established a Fraud and Oversight Committee this session, which will play an important role in our efforts to root out fraud across the state. We are working to address our fraud crisis from every angle and in several different committees to ensure that your tax dollars are used responsibly. Coffee with TomCoffee with Tom in Owatonna last week was a great success. Thank you to everyone who attended for taking the time to meet with me, and share your concerns and ideas. I appreciate every opportunity to hear from you. Looking forward, I will be available at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce today, February 14th, from 12:00-1:00pm. I will also be available on February 28th from 9:00-10:00am at Medford Congregational United Church (211 S Main Medford St.). I look forward to the continued opportunity to connect with community members, hear local concerns, and understand how I can best serve our communities as I serve in St. Paul. Happy Valentine's Day!I hope that you all have an opportunity to spend time friends, family, or loved ones this weekend in light of Valentine's Day this Friday. I cherish the time that I get to spend with my wife and family when I am at home, as I am sure you do too. |