SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol yesterday for the start of the 2020 Minnesota legislative session. Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) says she is excited for the work ahead to build a better future for all Minnesotans.
“It’s great to be back at the Capitol, and I’m looking forward to the work ahead of us to strengthen our future as a state,” Rep. Sandstede said. “Minnesotans expect us to work together to accomplish good things. Last year we proved we can do this and made progress, but there’s a lot of unfinished business left. I remain committed to ensuring all children have access to world-class schools, health care is affordable and accessible for everybody, and our communities can be safe and prosperous.”
This session, Rep. Sandstede will advocate for increased investments in education, particularly in the area of early learning and care. As prescription drug prices continue to skyrocket, she supports efforts to provide affordable insulin and hold Big Pharma accountable to lower the price of medications Minnesotans count on to live. While Minnesota’s economy is doing well overall, many Minnesotans are still struggling, with many families one unexpected car repair or illness away from financial disaster. To address this, Rep. Sandstede supports solutions like Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time for all workers. She also remains steadfast in her support of economic opportunities for the Iron Range, including new mining opportunities and solutions to ensure sustainability for existing mine operations.
The Legislature will also consider a capital investment bonding bill with improvements in state infrastructure, including higher education institutions, wastewater treatment infrastructure, housing, roads, bridges, parks and trails. Rep. Sandstede will fight for priorities important to the Iron Range such as a new Chisholm Public Safety Facility, a relocated Hibbing Mine View, the Chet Tomassoni Ice Arena, the Hibbing Curling Club, Floodwood’s Wastewater Treatment Facility, the East Itasca Joint Regional Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Facility, Buhl’s municipal water infrastructure, and improvements at the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Togo.
Rep. Sandstede encourages constituents to reach out with feedback and input on any issue. She can be reached at the Capitol by phone at 651-296-0172 or email at rep.julie.sandstede@house.mn. Her Facebook page can be found at fb.com/RepJulieSandstede.