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State Representative Jerry Newton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5369
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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JERRY NEWTON SWORN IN AS MINNESOTA HOUSE CONVENES
ST. PAUL, MN - Jerry Newton took the oath of office today in Saint Paul as the 2009 Legislative Session convened. Elected in November, Newton will serve constituents of Coon Rapids and Andover in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As a former councilman, school board member, small business owner, member of the NorthStar Rail Corridor Authority and North Metro Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Newton brings a wide array of valuable experience to the Legislature that will serve Coon Rapids well in his new role as State Representative.
“It is an honor to serve my community at the State Capitol," said Rep. Newton. “In these difficult economic circumstances, the challenges we face as a state will require a new approach to state government. I’m bringing more than a commitment to bipartisan progress at the Capitol this year; I’m bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas to balance the budget and help stimulate our lagging economy.”
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.
“Our primary focus this session must be on finding a responsible resolution to the budget shortfall and putting Minnesotans to work,” said Newton. “These are issues that won’t be resolved overnight. Instead, these unprecedented challenges require unprecedented cooperation, innovation, and a long-term commitment to making Minnesota a better place to live, work and do business.”
Much of that work will begin in legislative committees in the weeks and months to come. In his first term in the State House, Rep. Newton will serve as Vice-Chair of the Veterans Affairs Division - a committee he will bring much experience to as a retired member of the armed forces. Newton will also serve on the K-12 Education Finance Division, K-12 Education Policy and Oversight Committee, and Transportation Finance and Policy Division.
Rep. Newton encourages all constituents of House District 49B to contact him throughout the 2009 Legislative Session with questions, concerns, or suggestions on any legislative issue. Newton can be reached by phone at (651) 297-5723 or by email at rep.jerry.newton@house.mn.
News Items
- LOCAL LAWMAKERS HELP DELIVER NEEDED RELIEF TO FLOOD, TORNADO VICTIMS - (Posted: 2010-10-19 00:00:00)
- REP. NEWTON STANDS UP FOR SCHOOLS - (Posted: 2010-05-12 00:00:00)
- A SAFE PLACE FOR ALL KIDS TO PLAY - (Posted: 2010-04-21 00:00:00)
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