Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range, It has been a frigid week across the state, from the Capitol to our district. I am looking forward to the upcoming heat wave, as I am sure you are too. I hope you are all staying warm! Local Bonding ProjectsPart of my work as your Representative is to bring new bills before the House that affect our region. See the list below for just some of what I’m working on; the main focus being securing bonding for much-needed community projects. Click the image below to go to this webpage and find more information on any of the bills I have authored. I am proud to fight for the needs of our communities!  You can always view the bills that I author and others I support on the MN House website. Preserving Women’s SportsRecently, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order banning male participation in women’s sports, which is a huge win for female athletes across the country. In response, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) announced that it would continue to follow state law rather than comply with the order. This decision raises significant concerns about the fairness and safety of high school athletics, given the biological differences between men and women. I was proud to sign onto a letter to the MSHSL expressing opposition to their decision and advocating for fairness in girls’ sports. To further this effort, House Republicans introduced HF12, a bill that would ensure only biological females can participate in girls’ sports in Minnesota. Rep. Peggy Scott is the chief author of this bill, and I am pleased to support her efforts to grant protection to female athletes in Minnesota. Our athletes deserve fairness and protection in all areas, from the pool or field to the locker room.  Minnesota Rural Electric Association I got to spend an evening with the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, hearing concerns from their customers around the state. It was great to have these conversations and connect with Lake Country Power Executive Director Mark Bakk, and former State Senator Tom Bakk as well.  Library Day on the Hill I had the chance to hear insights from constituents attending the Library Day at the Capitol. We specifically talked about the Arrowhead Library System, what it does and what it needs. Thank you to ALS Executive Director Mollie Stanford, Regional Librarian Stephanie Wichlacz, and Library Director Jodi Grebinoski for taking the time to visit and talk!  HRAChair Igo and I were able to visit with some members of the Minnesota NAHRO about housing issues in Northern MN. It was great to have their insight and also have a chance to meet constituent Gigi Grahek from the Virginia HRA.  WatershedsI had a brief opportunity one evening to stop at a reception hosted by Minnesota Watersheds. It was nice to meet Executive Director Jan Voit and see my House floor seat-mate Representative Marj Fogelman there as well.  Iron Range ExplorationIt was intriguing to meet a member of Iron Range Exploration, Land & Regulatory Manager Jason Rayburn, and learn about their quest to develop natural hydrogen. Our region is chock-full of potential that needs to be unleashed!  MAPAI had the great pleasure to meet with a Minnesota Association of Physician's Associates (MAPA) board member this week. Not only does Becky Randle have a deep understanding of issues facing health care staffing, but she is an Iron Range native and also my childhood babysitter that lived across Elbow Creek from our family home. No offense to others, but this meeting was the highlight of my week!  |