Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jack Considine Jr. (DFL)

Back to profile

Legislative Update - December 18, 2018

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

Last week I enjoyed ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Cub Foods along with Sen. Nick Frentz, Rep.-elect Jeff Brand, and Blue Earth County Commissioner Vance Stuehrenberg. This holiday season, I hope we can all exercise some generosity and give back, especially to those who may be experiencing tough times. Whether time or financial resources, it doesn’t take much to make a big difference.

House Image

Subcommittee on Corrections

I’m honored to have been appointed by Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman to chair a new Subcommittee on Corrections for the coming legislative session. As we know, this past year saw the loss of two dedicated Minnesota correctional officers, Joseph Gomm and Joseph Parise, as a result of inmate assaults. We must deliver more resources to ensure staff can do their jobs with the confidence they can go home to their families at the end of their shift every day.

The subcommittee will give us an opportunity to dive deep into some of the persistent issues within our prisons which have led to unsafe conditions for staff and inmates alike. Additionally, we can learn a lot about how to best reduce recidivism, deliver services efficiently, and develop innovative strategies for offender programming. Corrections officers and others within our facilities have a lot to offer in the way of expertise and ideas, and in this subcommittee, I look forward to relying on them to help us move forward.

Dept. of Revenue offers tips for tax filing prep

As you look ahead to filing your taxes, the Minnesota Department of Revenue has been updating their systems since the end of the 2018 legislative session to accommodate the differences between the federal and Minnesota tax laws. DOR has some comprehensive information available here.

Coping with Farm and Rural Stress

Farming can be stressful and there are many issues that emerge this time of year. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by price and marketing uncertainties, financial problems or other concerns, there are people and organizations ready to help. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has links to resources available here.

Farmers Markets

Cold weather doesn’t mean the end of delicious fresh foods. Many farmers markets are in business all year round and offer a variety of locally grown and made foods and custom crafts. In Mankato, our farmers market has events monthly during the winter. Click here for a full directory from Minnesota Grown.

Please feel free to reach out with your feedback, input, and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to be your State Representative.

I hope you will have a magical holiday season, and a special New Year with all of your dreams coming true. Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Jack Considine

State Representative