ST. PAUL – State Representative Jennifer Schultz (DFL-Duluth) has been appointed a member of two legislative commissions in the past week by House Speaker Kurt Daudt. She has accepted roles working on both the Great Lakes Commission and the Legislative Health Care Workforce Commission.
Great Lakes Commission
Rep. Schultz was appointed to serve on the Great Lakes Commission, an interstate compact agency that promotes the orderly, integrated, and comprehensive development, use, and conservation of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes Basin and the St. Lawrence River. Members include representatives from the eight Great Lakes states, with associated member status for the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
The work of the Great Lakes Commission is critical to Duluth, Northeastern Minnesota, and Northern Wisconsin. Representative Schultz's predecessor, Representative Tom Huntley, served on the commission for many years.
"I am looking forward to serving on the Great Lakes Commission and continuing Tom Huntley's great work there," said Schultz. "The Great Lakes are critical to the people of Duluth, both economically and environmentally. Having the opportunity to work for the future of our Lakes is a great privilege and a great responsibility, and I will work hard to live up to the faith that the people of Duluth and of Minnesota have shown in appointing me."
Legislative Health Care Workforce Commission
Monday, Rep. Schultz was also appointed to the Health Care Workforce Commission.
The Health Care Workforce Commission will consist of ten legislators, and is charged with examining challenges facing providers, employers, and employees in the field of health care throughout Minnesota. In recent years, Greater Minnesota hospitals and nursing homes have faced critical shortages of doctors, nurses, nurses assistants, and other support staff.
“I’ll be working with other legislators of both parties and non-partisan staff to find solutions to shortages of health care professionals willing to work in rural communities, to reduce turnover in key professions, and to address inadequate compensation,” said Schultz. “I’m looking forward to using my academic and professional experience in the field of health care economics. All of the members have many years of experience and skills that should make this a collaborative group.”
Rep. Schultz encourages community members to contact her on any legislative issue. She can be reached by email at rep.jennifer.schultz@house.mn or phone at 651-296-2228.
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