Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who attended our District 41 Listening Sessions. Seeing democracy in action in the community in which I grew up is inspiring to me. It was helpful to hear the wide array of ideas, concerns, and questions from New Brighton, Spring Lake Park, and Fridley residents. I appreciate the opportunity to come together to discuss what can be done to make our communities even better places for opportunity, great schools and jobs, and economic security. I am already drafting new legislation from ideas that came out of these listening sessions.
As Minnesota’s economy continues to improve, your stories remind me how important it is that we have policies that build an economy that expands our middle class, levels the playing field for our seniors and working families, and safeguards the things that make our state one of the best places to raise a family.
The serious work of putting together a state budget has begun. Committees have begun reviewing Governor Dayton’s proposals and are assembling their own. In fact, I had my first education bill up in committee this week. I with a Republican legislator are working bipartisanly with our colleagues to expand Reading Corp opportunities for area students. An elementary principal from our community testified on the extraordinary student results from this researched-based tutoring method. It is an important, cost-effective intervention that is helping our students succeed. It is my hope that the entire legislature will continue to move forward in this bipartisan spirit to strengthen our students, community, and state.
As I work for you at the State Capitol, I need your continued input. As always, I encourage you to contact me on any legislative issue. You can schedule a visit at with me at the Capitol, contact me by email rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn or phone 651-296-5510.
Thanks again for the honor of serving you,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative - Fridley, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park.
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