(ST. PAUL) — Last Thursday, House Speaker-designate Paul Thissen announced the Minnesota House of Representatives committee assignments for the 2013-2014 biennium, selecting state Representative-elect JoAnn Ward (DFL – Woodbury) to serve on the Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, Environment, Natural Resources and Agricultural Finance, Government Operations, and Health and Human Services Policy Committees.
“I’m honored and pleased to serve on these important committees,” said Rep.-elect Ward. “We’re fortunate in Minnesota to have beautiful lakes, rivers, parks and forests and they are important for our quality of life and for our local economies. In addition to a balance of environmental protections and access to our environmental treasures, I support growing green jobs right here in our state. This is an area where we can lead the nation.
“I also look forward to serving on the Government Operations, and Health and Human Services Policy Committees. In times of budget deficits, it’s essential for state government to operate as efficiently as possible, while providing the services that people expect the government to furnish. We must also continue to work to make sure that every Minnesotan has access to high-quality, affordable health care. I look forward to working with my colleagues to explore Minnesota-made solutions to continue to improve our health care system and ensure that our state remains a leader in health care.”
Rep.-elect Ward has been a Woodbury resident since 1974 and has taught vocational education, established internships, and led school and community projects. She has been an active community volunteer, leading two successful bond issues that rallied 1,000 volunteers and supported the construction of much-needed school facilities.
Rep.-elect Ward has held leadership roles in her university, public schools, church, and in neighborhood organizations. In 1994 she completed a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Learning and Human Development Technology -- Human Resource Development. Rep.-elect Ward also has extensive training and experience in collaborative decision-making and conflict management, specifically Baldridge Performance Excellence and Restorative Justice.
The Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 8, 2013.