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State Representative Sheldon Johnson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4201
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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STATE REP. SHELDON JOHNSON SWORN-IN AS LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS
ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative Sheldon Johnson (DFL - St. Paul) was sworn in today as the 2009 Legislative Session convened. Johnson, first elected in 2000, is beginning his fifth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving St. Paul’s Eastside. Over the last eight years in the Legislature, Rep. Johnson has developed the respect of his colleagues and constituents as a thoughtful, committed community leader. His experience and thoughtful approach to governance will be critical in the difficult months ahead.
“The State of Minnesota will face a host of unprecedented challenges this year," said Rep. Johnson. “Rising unemployment and an historic budget shortfall must be met with common sense solutions and a forward thinking approach. These difficult tasks cannot be achieved overnight, but with a solid commitment to progress we can make Minnesota an even better place to live, work, and do business.”
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must settle a $4.8 billion budget shortfall this year - a record deficit brought on by a steadily worsening economy. According to State Economist Tom Stinson the nationwide economic recession has cast Minnesota lawmakers into “uncharted waters.” Stinson reported the current economic downturn is the longest and deepest recession since 1942. Minnesota lost nearly 30,000 jobs over the last 12 months alone, with another 77,000 slated to disappear in 2009. Johnson says his focus will be on finding ways to resolve the shortfall and put people back to work.
“With a long-term vision for the future of our state, I am confident we can set clear priorities, balance the budget responsibly, and begin the work of putting our economy back on track,” said Johnson.
Much of that work will begin in legislative committees throughout the coming weeks. This session Rep. Johnson will serve his second term as Chair of the Telecommunications Regulation and Infrastructure Division, Energy Finance and Policy Division, and as a member of the Commerce and Labor Committee and Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee.
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Johnson encourages all constituents of House District 67B to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Johnson can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4201 or by email at rep.sheldon.johnson@house.mn.
News Items
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-04-26 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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