St. Paul, Minnesota — State Representative Sandra Masin (DFL - Eagan) was officially sworn in as the state representative for District 51A as the 88th Legislative Session convened today at the State Capitol. Rep. Masin is serving her third term in the Minnesota House of Representatives and is representing parts of Eagan and Burnsville. Rep. Masin previously served in the legislature from 2006-2010.
“I’m honored to be returning to the Capitol on behalf of the people of Eagan and Burnsville,” said Rep. Masin. “The people said loud and clear that they want their legislators to work together and focus on a fair and responsible budget, improving our schools and growing a strong middle-class economy.”
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that lawmakers must tackle a $1.1 billion budget shortfall this year. When the money still owed to schools and inflation is included the shortfall rises to over $3 billion.
“There’s a lot to be done over the next several months and we’re ready to get to work,” said Rep. Masin. “We need to decide what we value as Minnesotans — education, lower property taxes, a vibrant middle class — and then figure out how to fund our priorities and set our state up for future success.”
Recognizing the difficult tasks ahead, Rep. Masin expressed a willingness to work on bipartisan solutions.
“With the number of problems facing us, we need to do all that we can to find common-ground solutions,” said Rep. Masin. “I’ll work with my legislative colleagues, regardless of their party.”
Much of that work will begin in legislative hearings throughout the coming weeks and months. This session Rep. Masin will be serving as the Vice Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee and as a member of the Energy Policy, Labor, Workplace and Regulated Industries, and Transportation Finance committees.
“I’m very pleased to serve on these important committees — especially as the Vice Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee,” said Rep. Masin. “Our roads and bridges are crumbing. We must also continue expanding our public transportation system to attract new businesses and young professional workers. Budgets are tight, but I’m focused on doing all that I can to improve our transportation system.”
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Masin encourages all constituents to contact her directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Masin can be reached by phone at (651) 296-3533 or by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn