Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who attended our first ‘Community Conversation’ last week! Over fifty people took part in the conversation on early childhood development. Particular thanks to our special guest Angela Watts, who shared her expertise and ideas. Clearly this is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive, community-wide approach. If you missed the meeting, here are five numbers to remember about early childhood development. You can also see photos from the event below:
Since the Community Conversation, there has been more exciting news on this issue, as Governor Dayton announced that he will seek to have state government join other employers around the state in providing parental leave as an employee benefit. You can click here for details. We should extend this approach to all employers. As we learned at the Community Conversation, we all benefit when parents have time with their children in the crucial few weeks after birth.
Look for other Community Conversations later this year, along with other opportunities to meet throughout the upcoming session. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the meantime at 651-296-4199 or Rep.Dave.Pinto@house.mn with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dave Pinto
State Representative