ST. PAUL, MN - State Representative Raymond Dehn (DFL – Minneapolis) was officially sworn in as the District 59B State Representative as the 88th Legislative Session convened at noon on January 8th at the State Capitol. Rep. Dehn is beginning his first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving Downtown and North Minneapolis.
“I’m honored and humbled to be the voice of our communities at the State Capitol,” said Rep. Dehn. “Throughout my career I’ve sought to engage those who feel disenfranchised by the political process and I aim to continue that in St. Paul.”
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.
“It’s clear that we’re facing a number of challenges,” said Rep. Dehn. “Our perpetual budget deficits have left us with a period of disinvestment that we must begin to reverse. We must start with a responsible budget that funds our priorities and isn’t balanced on the backs of the poor and middle class.”
Much of the work finding solutions will begin in legislative hearings throughout the coming weeks and months. This session Rep. Dehn will serve on the Capital Investment, Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy, State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation Finance Committees.
“I’m pleased to be serving on these important committees, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” said Rep. Dehn.
Throughout the legislative session, Rep. Dehn encourages all constituents to contact him directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any legislative issue. Rep. Dehn can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8659 or by email at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn.