ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative JoAnn Ward (DFL - Woodbury) was officially sworn in as the state representative for District 53A as the 88th Legislative Session convened at noon on January 8th at the State Capitol. Rep. Ward represents parts of Woodbury, Oakdale, Landfall and Maplewood and is serving her first term.
“I’m ready to get to work," said Rep. Ward. “I intend to focus my attention on building an economy with a strong, growing middle class, and improving our schools so that each of our children has opportunities for success.”
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must tackle a $1.1 billion budget shortfall this year. When the money still owed to schools and inflation is included the shortfall rises to over $3 billion.
“It’s clear that we have a difficult road ahead, but if we set the right priorities, balance the budget fairly and honestly, and continue working on getting our economy back on track, we can make Minnesota an even better place to live, work, and raise a family,” added Rep. Ward.
Rep. Ward signaled a desire to work in a bipartisan fashion on solutions to the challenges facing the state.
“I plan on working with legislators whether they are Republicans or Democrats,” said Rep. Ward. “We’re all Minnesotans and we all want to improve our state. I’m hopeful that both parties can work together on good solutions to our state’s problems.”
Much of that work will begin in legislative hearings throughout the coming weeks and months. This session Rep. Ward will serve on the Environment and Natural Resources Policy; Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Finance; Government Operations, and Health and Human Services Policy Committees. She has also been appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Living Wage Jobs.
“I’m thrilled to be on these committees and ready to get to work on these important issues,” said Rep. Ward.
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Ward encourages all constituents to contact her directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at (651) 296-7807 or by email at rep.joann.ward@house.mn.
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