Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This email marks the first of the regular email updates that I plan to send throughout the legislative session to help keep you informed of what’s going on at the legislature. I want to have an open dialogue with our community, and make sure you are up-to-date with the latest from the Capitol.
Last Tuesday, the 2019 legislative session officially began as all 134 members of the House of Representatives took the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony. Taking the oath of office for the first time was an incredible moment and one I won’t soon forget. It truly is an incredible honor to serve as our community’s voice in the legislature and I am eager to take your concerns to St. Paul and advocate on your behalf.
Listening Session this Saturday
In order to best represent our district, I feel it is important to stay in touch with my constituents and understand what issues are most important to our community. That’s why I am hosting a listening session/town hall meeting in Anoka this Saturday, January 19, from 10:15am – 11:30am. The meeting will be held in the Philolectian Room at the Anoka County Historical Center at 2135 3rd Ave N Anoka, MN 55303.
You are invited to come and stop by at any time during this event to ask questions, offer input on legislative matters, and learn more about my priorities for the legislative session ahead. I value your input and ideas for what can be in done in the legislature to help make our community a better place to call home. I hope to see you there, and please contact me with any questions.
Committees
Legislative work got underway this week as House committees started regularly meeting. A lot of the nuts and bolts of “lawmaking” take place in committees. Members debate specific details of bills, offer amendments to change and improve bills, and hear public testimony to determine the impact of proposed legislation on our state.
I have been assigned to serve on the Transportation Finance & Policy Division, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance & Policy Division, and Government Operations Committee. I feel these committee assignments are aligned with my priorities and I look forward to getting to work in them right away. Two of my top priorities for the session ahead are providing funding for improvements and lane expansion for Highway 10 as well as making sure veterans in our state receive the best possible care and services we have to offer. These committee assignments directly pertain to these issues and will give me the opportunity to work closely on them.
Please Contact Me
As session progresses, I will be sure to keep you updated on the happenings at the Capitol. In the meantime, I urge you to contact me and share any legislative questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or by email at rep.john.heinrich@house.mn. Also, if you’re planning to be in St. Paul, I encourage you to schedule a time to stop by my office. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you Saturday.
Sincerely,
John