Dear neighbors,
I hope the transition to fall is treating you well. We’ve got a lot of exciting events coming up in our community and around the state this fall.
Bemidji Town Hall
On Saturday, September 28, I’m holding a town hall at the Bemidji Public Library (509 America Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN 56601). Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and I will share what we got done this year, discuss what we hope to accomplish next, and answer questions. I hope you’re able to join us!
BSU Groundbreaking
I joined Bemidji State University students, faculty, and staff to break ground on the Hagg-Sauer Academic Learning Center last week. The new building will replace Hagg-Sauer Hall, which was constructed in 1970. It will contain flexible learning spaces and faculty offices. More information about the project is available here.
Youth Climate Strike
On Friday, thousands of young Minnesotans participated in the worldwide Youth Climate Strike. Students and supporters gathered in more than a dozen Minnesota cities, including Bemidji, to call for action.
To show our support for Minnesotans who are urging us to address the climate crisis, my colleagues and I formed a new Climate Action Caucus. This dedicated group of legislators, which I’m proud to be a part of, will work with Minnesotans on a bold, comprehensive plan to fight climate change and create a future in which we all thrive.
Community Conversations: Making Insulin and Prescription Drugs More Affordable
My colleagues and I are holding a series of community conversations about making medications more affordable. If the skyrocketing cost of insulin and prescription drugs has impacted you or your loved ones, we’d like to hear about it so we can find solutions that work for you.
I attended the first community conversation, which took place at the Capitol a few weeks ago. Many Minnesotans shared moving stories about their experiences. If you’d like to hear them, a video of the event is available here. Several additional events have taken place throughout the state since then.
On Thursday, we’re holding a public hearing to share what we learned from Minnesotans and our plans to move forward. Please stay tuned for details.
I hope to see you at the town hall on Saturday. If you can’t make it, please feel free to call or email me with your thoughts.
Sincerely,
John Persell
State Representative