Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Mining Hearing
I saw many familiar faces last Tuesday in Virginia for the USFS mining hearing. Senator Eichorn and I, along with many of our legislative colleagues from the Iron Range, weighed in with testimony. I was encouraged by the resounding support for our miners and for local control of our future.
I applaud organizations like Jobs for Minnesotans and the Range Area Municipalities and Schools (RAMS) that are bringing local voices together and allowing that message to be heard in the media.
We are responsible for creating our shared future.
Capitol Re-opening
This summer, as all finishing touches are completed, the state is holding a Grand Opening Celebration to display our newly renovated State Capitol. From Friday, August 11 until Sunday, August 13, we’ll have musical performances, tours, games for kids, and much, much more! Many events are free to the public, and all are welcome!
I recorded a short video to give you a peek at some of the beautiful changes that were made.
More information can be found here. Please join me at the Grand Opening Celebration August 11-13; it will be the place to be that weekend!
Encouraging Health Care News
Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released preliminary rates for the 2018 individual insurance market. The good news is we could finally see an end to the four-straight years of double-digit premium increases. As a new representative, one of my main goals was to deliver lower insurance costs and better access for Minnesotans, and I’m proud of the impact the reforms we passed this year can have for residents throughout the state. Yesterday’s rate releases help us take a giant step toward returning Minnesota to one of the top states for health care.
New Faces
I had the pleasure of meeting Joni Olson, new superintendent for School District 318, this past week and am enthusiastic about her arrival in Grand Rapids. We are already working together on ideas for funding needed facility improvements in the district. Over the next couple months, I will be meeting with other school superintendents across the district – some familiar and some new faces as well.
New Laws
As you know, many of the bills we passed became law on July 1. Today, another batch of bills will officially become law, and I’m enthused about some of the changes. Here’s a quick guide to a number of the provisions starting August 1.
Enjoy Your Summer!
Between Summerfest in Pine River (last weekend) and Tall Timber Days in Grand Rapids (this coming weekend), there are so many opportunities to enjoy and show off our home communities.
If I don’t see you around town or you can’t make it to the Capitol Grand Opening Celebration and would like to connect, please feel free to call or email my office. I’d love to meet with you.
Enjoy your August,
Sandy