Dear Neighbors,
On January 8, I was sworn in again as your State Representative. It’s an honor to act as a voice for Eagan at the Capitol. Here are a few updates from my first days back in office.
I’m looking forward to chairing the Commerce Committee; in addition I will be serving on Energy and Climate Finance and Policy, Health and Human Services Finance, and the Subcommittee on Elections. I’ll be sending out updates on our progress regularly, but you can also follow along online. Meeting agendas, minutes, and audio and video archives are available here. I also encourage you to follow House action by subscribing to Session Daily.
Bill Introductions
Last week I had the opportunity to help announce the first ten bills that will be introduced in the House this session. I introduced H.F. 5—the Family Medical Leave Act—which will allow people to participate in the workforce as fully as possible while caring for their families. Minnesota workers will be able to take the time to bond with a new baby or care for a sick parent, while still retaining a percentage of their salary. This proposal allows small businesses to provide benefits that many large employers are already offering and compete for workers. For more information, read this statement or watch a video of the announcement.
Applications Open for City of Eagan Commissions
The City of Eagan is currently accepting applications for five advisory groups. Residents can apply to serve on commissions dedicated to planning, parks and recreation, airport relations, energy and environment, or watershed management. I served on the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission for many years and encourage anyone who’s interested in being more involved to apply. It’s a great way to serve the community and be part of local decision making!
Learn more about these commissions and apply here.
High School Students Ready for the Work Force
This week I visited an innovative education program through ISD 197 that provides hands-on career training in healthcare, transportation, or mechanical careers through a multi-disciplinary approach. Students gain high school or college credit for the classes and gain skills that make them ready to enter the job market. The photo below shows a student practicing sutures on a banana.
The class culminates in an internship. This class of students will be interning at nearby employers such as the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, Twin Cities Orthopedic Center, Harley Davidson, and North American Trailer. Congratulations to this great group of students!
Stay Connected
Finally, I want to make sure you know you can contact me about any questions or issues that are important to you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn or 651-296-4128.
If you’re planning on visiting the Capitol, please let me know! My legislative assistant Aimee Vue and I would love to schedule a meeting. You can reach Aimee at aimee.vue@house.mn or 651-296-6754.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson