Dear Northlanders,
I hope you had a good weekend! For my part, I try to get outside every chance I get, which yesterday included an enjoyable snowshoe stroll through the woods.
The 2022 Legislative Session is almost here, set to get underway in just one week. Our economy is turning the corner, but many people, families, and small businesses are still facing an uphill battle, not to mention COVID-19, fueled by the Omicron surge, which is still putting pressure on our health care system. This session provides us the opportunity to work together to put us all on the path toward a stronger future.
Reminder: International Falls Town Hall Tomorrow Night
Tomorrow night I’m hosting a Listening Session in International Falls to discuss the upcoming legislative session. I’m looking forward to connecting with you to hear your questions and ideas. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at The Library Bistro in International Falls. Everyone in and around Koochiching County is invited to attend! If you can’t make it, as always, feel free to contact me directly with your input.
WHAT: Legislative Listening Session with Rep. Ecklund
WHO: Rep. Rob Ecklund (District 3A, International Falls), interested community members
WHEN: Tuesday, January 25, 6-7 p.m.
WHERE: The Library Bistro, 1323 3rd St, International Falls
Lessard-Sams Council
Minnesotans value our strong outdoor heritage and ability to fish, hunt, and participate in other outdoor pursuits in our great state. We value it so much that in 2008, Minnesota voters overwhelmingly voted to raise their own taxes to protect these traditions for future generations.
I’m honored to have been appointed to serve on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, a panel charged with providing annual funding recommendations to the full Legislature from the state’s Outdoor Heritage Fund. Named after our former Senator Bob Lessard and the later Senator Dallas Sams – both champions for outdoor heritage, the council reviews and recommends proposed projects to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, and that prevent forest fragmentation, encourage forest consolidation, and expand restored native prairie.
The Outdoor Heritage Fund is one of four funds created by the 2008 Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution. Since 2010, lawmakers have invested over $1.2 billion from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, investing in more than 400 projects across the state toward conservation and preservation.
I’m quite excited about the opportunity to serve on this council and evaluate funding proposals for projects across our state so we can continue to make Minnesota a great state to get outside and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Economic Security for Minnesotans
While several factors point to the state’s economic recovery, many Minnesotans continue to struggle financially amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and are facing an uncertain future. This week, legislators released a plan to address the urgent needs of Minnesotans and expand economic opportunity. The plan includes passing Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time, two policies that give workers time to take care of themselves and their loved ones. The plan also takes steps to support frontline workers, increase the supply of safe and affordable housing, and replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance trust fund to help small businesses and working Minnesotans.
For my part, I’m working to build upon the investments from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand our investments in broadband internet access. COVID-19 has deepened the digital divide and many people in rural communities still lack access to reliable high-speed broadband. In the year 2022, internet access isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s necessary for a quality way of life. As much as $180 million in federal funding may be available, so we should move quickly to unlock these dollars to help the 171,000 Minnesotans who lack a fast, reliable broadband connection finally get the access they deserve.
More details about our Economic Security for Minnesotans plan are available here.
Paraprofessional Recognition Week
The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges toward delivering a quality education to our children. In schools across the state, paraprofessionals are dedicated team members in schools, working with classroom teachers and other staff to help students learn and reach their full potential. This week, January 24 through January 30, is Paraprofessional Recognition Week in the state of Minnesota. Thank you to all the hardworking paraprofessionals who work hard to help students achieve and who make valuable contributions in our classrooms. Here’s the proclamation from Governor Walz.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with your feedback and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative