Dear Neighbors,
Wednesday this week marked “Equal Pay Day,” but it’s a day on the calendar none of us celebrate. “Equal Pay Day” is the point in 2016 when women finally – on average – earn the same amount their male counterparts made in the previous year for performing equal work. In the United States, a wage gap persists and women make just 79 cents for each dollar a man makes. Here in Minnesota, this gap translates to an average of $382,360 in lost income for women over the course of their careers. In 2016, it is most unfortunate that we even need to have this discussion, let alone have such a significant disparity.
Economic Development
Exciting things are happening in the city of Cottage Grove. Recently, the City Council approved an expansion of Carbone’s Restaurant, which will include a full bar. The 70th Street Grill at the corner of 70th and Hinton has been given the green light as well, and they hope to open sometime this fall. A 182 unit affordable senior housing complex along Highway 61 is moving ahead. A new roadway was approved too from Pine Hill to 100thSt to support the new 300 home development in that area. To top it all off, Rivertown Bakery opened last week.
This level of activity can only occur when residents, business owners, and local leaders believe in their community and are willing to commit to it. With this level of momentum, I expect continued growth and more of this type of good news to come in the future.
Boards and Commissions
If you’re interested in becoming more involved in your state government, there are many opportunities to do so. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has posted April’s “Open Appointment” list and there are many boards and commissions in the state seeking citizens to serve. This month, openings include spots on the MnSCU Board of Trustees, the Blind and Visually Impaired Advisory Committee, and the Early Learning Council.
For the complete list or to find out how to apply, check out the Secretary of State’s website here.
Community Events
Tomorrow, April 16, the public is invited to the annual Spring Business Showcase from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena (8020 80th St). Sponsored by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature local businesses and organizations, family friendly activities, and food samples from area restaurants. The first 400 attendees will receive a free tote bag. For more information, visit the chamber online at www.cottagegrovechamber.org.
This Sunday, members of the Park High School MN-871 Airforce JROTC are holding their first ever “Paws n’ Patriots” 5k Fun Run/Walk/Pet walk at 9:30 a.m. in the Park High School parking lot (8040 80th St.). Admission is $20 and includes a t-shirt. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville and will support JROTC leadership opportunities and field trips. For more contact pawsnpatriots@gmail.com.
Tuesday, April 26 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., the Croatian Hall (445 2nd Ave. S., South St. Paul) hosts the annual taco feed fundraiser for the “Fill the Backpack” campaign. This campaign, sponsored by the Mizpah Lodge, assists children in the community in need of school supplies. Bring your appetite; tacos are $2 each or three for $5.
There are just over five weeks remaining in the Legislative Session. I invite you to stay in touch with your input on the issues that matter most to you. Feel free to call or email me anytime.
Sincerely,
Dan Schoen
State Representative