(ST. PAUL) — Last week, House Speaker-designate Paul Thissen announced the Minnesota House of Representatives committee assignments for the 2013-2014 biennium, selecting state Representative-elect Mary Sawatzky (DFL – Willmar) to serve on the Education Policy, State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs, and the Transportation Policy Committees.
“I’m honored to serve on these important committees,” said Rep.-elect Sawatzky. “I look forward to working together with my colleagues to improve our schools and ensure that every Minnesota child has an opportunity to succeed. Facing a budget deficit, it’s essential that we find ways to collaborate, find efficiencies, and save taxpayer dollars, while doing everything we can to help our Minnesota veterans. Finally, we need a comprehensive, long-term plan that addresses our crumbling transportation system and promotes policies that are good for all of Minnesota and not just one region.
“We have a lot of work to do, but I’m confident that if we listen to Minnesotans and work together, we can get it done and make our state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Rep.-elect Sawatzky has been a special education teacher for the Willmar Public School District for 27 years, has also volunteered as a VFW Baseball Coordinator, Meals on Wheels, is the Kandiyohi County Relay For Life Team Captain, and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willmar.
The Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 8, 2013.