Dear Neighbors,
The 2017 Legislative Session began January 3rd and I want to reiterate what an honor and privilege it is to represent you in St. Paul.
My first remarks on the floor were on Thursday and I took the opportunity to address the appallingly low wages for in-home health care workers in the state. The fact that many of these men and women who work so hard to care for others can’t feed their own children without resorting to food stamps is, frankly, an embarrassment.
I’m also looking forward to addressing the issues at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. This is a long-standing issue; it’s time to make some headway. The hospital is still understaffed, which is resulting in forced overtime.
Gov. Dayton released his bonding bill on Wednesday, which I am pleased to see includes important funds for completing MSU-Mankato’s Clinical Sciences building. I’ve been speaking to involved parties consistently and I’m excited to see this on the table. If we can avoid some of the gridlock that caused difficulties last session and work across the aisle, we’ll set ourselves - and our state - up for success.
The multiyear State Capitol restoration project finished up recently, and the stunning attention to detail warrants a visit. If you’re interested in taking a tour, visit
http://www.mnhs.org/capitol or call
651-259-3292.
I invite you to reach out to me by phone
(651-296-3248) or email (
rep.jack.considine@house.mn) anytime with concerns or feedback, or if I can be of any assistance to you. If you’re in St. Paul, swing on by and say hello.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative