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State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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DOING THE RIGHT THING
The lessons of decency, compassion, and common sense my parents taught me as a kid sure come in handy at the state Capitol – especially when some people around this place still act like children. This week I used common sense when I voted for a Health and Human Services bill that would create or save 21,000 jobs and leverage $1.4 billion in federal money to fairly fund our hospitals.
More than that, the bill would protect our grandmas and grandpas in the nursing home from any budget cuts. It would minimize cuts to mental health care, prevent layoffs at State Operated Services (SOS) dental clinics, and protect child care providers and low-income families. And the bill contributes another $114 million to reducing the state’s deficit.
The bill just makes sense. But more importantly, it is built on the principles of compassion and dignity. And I think, in a way, that’s what state government is about sometimes. Sure, it’s about sweeping the streets and repairing buildings. But there’s another basic responsibility of government, and that’s to take care of the human infrastructure and spirit of this state. I guess most of the time it’s about doing the right thing.
That’s something my folks taught me – to look out for the people around me who can’t look out for themselves. To speak up for the voiceless, to lend a helping hand to those in need, and work together as a community to address the common challenges we’re all facing.
You know, in a way I think that’s what most Minnesotans do every day. Sure we have our own lives, our own mortgages, kids, and our own unique concerns. But this state is a place where being a neighbor means more than just being the guy who lives next door. You pick up your neighbor’s mail when they’re out of town, shovel their driveway, and you help out the elderly couple down the street if they need you.
That’s part of what makes our state great. We understand the responsibility of community, and care enough to lend a helping hand to those in need. We make sacrifices to help others, and make our state an even better place for those who come after us.
No one exemplifies those deeply-Minnesotan qualities more than the law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety. Sergeant Joseph Bergeron, who our community laid to rest last week, is no exception. His life was a shining example of selfless service all Minnesotans should be proud of. His courage, and the sacrifice of his family, cannot be forgotten. His service to this community made our lives better.
In his memory, show the courage and compassion to be a good neighbor. Do the right thing, think beyond yourself and consider the welfare of others. Because that’s what being a Minnesotan is really all about.
Leon Lillie
State Representative
District 55A
(651) 296-1188
rep.leon.lillie@house.mn
News Items
- SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE HOMEOWNERS AND STABILIZING NEIGHBORHOODS - (Posted: 2012-03-01 00:00:00)
- Email Update -- Feb. 16, 2012 - (Posted: 2012-02-16 00:00:00)
- 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW - (Posted: 2012-01-26 00:00:00)
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