Hello Northerners, As the temperature drops and more snow accumulates, I hope you and your family are staying safe and warm. We can’t stay inside all winter though, and yesterday I took a brisk morning snowshoe trek!  State BudgetState budget officials recently announced a new economic forecast, highlighted by a projected $17.6 billion surplus. It’s important to note inflation isn’t fully accounted for, and much of the money is only available on a one-time basis. Still, the surplus will provide lawmakers an incredible opportunity to boost funding for our schools, invest in local communities, make health care more affordable, and overall, make a difference for Minnesotans at a time when many of them are struggling with high costs. Read more details about the forecast here. Chronic Wasting DiseaseOne of my main focuses during my time in the Legislature has been protecting the outdoor heritage we all value as Minnesotans. In recent years, the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease has threatened the wild white-tailed deer population, therefore putting Minnesota’s cherished deer hunting traditions in jeopardy. I’ve worked to advance a number of solutions to this growing problem, including to address the risks from captive Cervidae in deer farms. However, Republicans in the Minnesota Senate consistently served as roadblocks toward much-needed reforms. MinnPost recently highlighted some of this work and the prospects for solutions moving forward. I’m hopeful the next Legislature will finally move beyond the gridlock that’s hampered our progress in the past, and act with the urgency this crisis deserves. My family and I love few activities more than deer hunting, and these traditions need to be protected for the generations that come after us. Happy Holidays and FarewellAs I prepare to leave office, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my time as your State Representative and express my deep gratitude to each and every one of you. I’ve always prioritized being responsive to my constituents and advocating for issues that are important to our region. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make historic investments in broadband access, deliver for our courageous military veterans, support workers on the job and help them and their families achieve economic security, fund parks and trails, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who ever contacted me to share your viewpoints or to advocate for an issue you care about – especially those who made the long trip down to Saint Paul to visit! I am confident that the future is bright for our state, and I am proud to have played a small part in shaping its direction. From the U.S. Marines, to leading our USW local, to the county board, to the Minnesota House, stepping up to serve has always been important to me. While I don’t immediately know what the future holds, I’ll certainly stay engaged with our community’s needs and what’s happening in Saint Paul. I hope that you, too, will continue to make your voices heard and advocate for the issues that matter most to you, your family, and the Northland. I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday season. If you are traveling for the holidays, take care to travel safely. From the bottom of my heart, thank you again for the opportunity to serve our region, and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. Sincerely, Rob Ecklund
State Representative |