Dear Friends,
Conference committees are hard at work this week hammering out final budget details. I'm attending as many conference committee hearings as I can to familiarize myself with the process and keep an eye on progress on these bills. I'm pushing my colleagues on a number of issues including rural broadband, transportation, mental health, education, and more.
Turkey Burger Cookout
On Tuesday I hosted a turkey burger cookout on the front lawn of the Capitol along with my colleagues in the GOP Rural Caucus. The weather was picture-perfect and we served about 600 burgers to legislators, staff, and the public helping send the message that turkey remains safe to eat.
Rep. Swedzinski, Rep. Miller, Gov. Dayton and me at Tuesday's cookout.
The Governor stopped by as well to help serve the burgers. The event was a great success, and a great moment of unity as both sides came together to support Minnesota turkey. Legislators, the Governor, and health officials have been working around the clock and are doing everything they can to get to the bottom of this and put a stop to this terrible disease.
First bill passed
On Wednesday, I was grateful to have unanimous support from my colleagues for
HF1036. I've had other bills included and passed in Omnibus bills, but this is the first standalone bill of mine to pass the House. The bill changes some provisions in state law for physician assistants that will ultimately benefit rural hospitals and clinics by increasing the number of physician assistants who are able to work under a doctor at any given time.
Next week will be a busy week as bills come back from conference committee. I will send along updates once we have more information.
Lastly, this weekend is of course Mothers Day! It's a day I get to spend many hours at our restaurant greeting many amazing Mom's and seeing families gather and truly enjoy showing Mom's how amazing they are. To all Mothers...Have a great day! And especially to my own Mom (Edna) in Aitkin, MN who always asks for nothing and gives to others whenever the need is there. I love you Mom more than you know!
Have a great weekend,
Dave Baker
State Representative, District 17B