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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL)

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Legislative Update - July 24, 2017

Monday, July 24, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are enjoying summer. For my part, I’ve been attending many events in communities across the Iron Range and have been fortunate to cross paths with many of you. Here is an update on some of my activities.

Minnesota Values Community Conversation

This summer and fall, my House DFL colleagues and I are traveling the state to engage Minnesotans in a discussion about our state’s future as part of the recently launched Minnesota Values Project. Following the legislative session, these are important discussions as we seek to gain a deeper understanding of our shared values as well as our diverse perspectives on the things we care about as Minnesotans. One of these such discussions is taking place tonight at the Grand Rapids Library. I’ll be joined by Rep. Liz Olson of Duluth and Rep. Fue Lee of Minneapolis. I hope you can join us.

WHAT: Minnesota Values Community Conversation

WHENTonight, Monday, July 24 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Grand Rapids Library, 140 NE 2nd St., Grand Rapids

WHO: Rep. Julie Sandstede, Rep. Liz Olson, Rep. Fue Lee

Rally to Support Mining and Forest Service Hearing

As you may know, federal agencies are considering withdrawing thousands of acres of land on the Iron Range from future potential mining activity, and this would be disastrous to our region’s economic vitality. Tomorrow night in Virginia, the U.S. Forest Service is holding a public hearing on this proposal. It’s important for us to come together in solidarity to celebrate our rich mining tradition while educating federal officials about its importance to our economy and the jobs provided by the industry, as well as the impact this withdrawal will have on our public schools.

Prior to this meeting, mining supporters will gather for a rally (with food provided) and from there, we will march together to the public hearing. Here are the details:

WHAT:  Rally to Support Mining and March to U.S.F.S. Public Hearing

WHERE: Rally: Field of Dreams Park (9th Ave. & 3rd St. S., Virginia); Public Hearing: Virginia High School Auditorium (411 S 5th Ave., Virginia)

WHEN: Tuesday, July 25th. Rally: 3:00 p.m., Public Hearing: 4:30 p.m

MDI Work Skills Celebration

Earlier this year I attended the ground breaking for MDI’s new facility in Hibbing. A week ago Friday, I had the opportunity to take part in a celebration for nine of their employees, both with and without disabilities, graduating from their Work Skills 101 program. Each of them were recognized for their individual strengths, the new skills they developed, and things they were able to learn about themselves and their co-workers. In this program, graduates learned that they are the “CEO of their own life.”

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I’m a tremendous fan of the work MDI does to provide job opportunities to people with disabilities and give them valuable life tools.  I thank them for inviting me to attend the celebration!

SOAR Annual Picnic

This past Friday I attended the SOAR (United Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees) Annual Picnic. It was good to hear their concerns as well as give an update about what occurred during the legislative session. Rep. Jason Metsa’s son Josiah joined me while I provided some remarks.

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MN Historical Society Legacy Grants

The Minnesota Historical Society has announced its latest round of Legacy Grants, paid for by constitutionally dedicated proceeds from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. I was pleased to learn that two organizations in our community were recipients of these grants.

The Hibbing Historical Society is set to receive $8,470 to digitize a large collection of photos, allowing for a better public access to this historic resource. Additionally, Chisholm Kids Plus is receiving $8,725 to design, produce, and install nine historical markers in downtown Chisholm. Statewide, $6 million in funding for historical programs and projects was distributed through a competitive grant process statewide. For more information about these grants, visit the Minnesota Historical Society online.

Please feel free to reach out to me with your comments, questions, and ideas. I’m also available to visit businesses, civic groups, and community gatherings, and am certainly available to meet with constituents individually. Don’t hesitate to contact me to set up a time! It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Julie Sandstede

State Representative