House DFL Host Talk At Brainerd Library

The last two years were a productive term in St. Paul. Legislators turn their deficit into a surplus, created more jobs and made historic investments.
District 10A Rep. John Ward (DFL) says, “That’s what we did this past session. We got a budget balanced that was fair and equitable; that was no gimmicks and provided a long-term vision. And that’s where we started.”
Minnesota House Speaker, Paul Thissen, says, “I think passing the minimum wage increase was a really big deal for us. It’s going to help a lot of people. And this Women’s Economic Securities Act to even the playing field for women in the workplace is going to make a big deal for people.”
District 10B Rep. Joe Radinovich (DFL) says, “I spent a lot of time on rural education and trying to close the gap between the wealthiest and poorest schools across the state. And unfortunately so many of the poorer schools are in the rural parts of the state like Aitkin and Crow Wing County. And so we were able to reduce that gap by a third in just two years after watching it expand for over a decade.”
Ward says, “The focus was a lot on greater Minnesota. And the speaker and the majority leader are to be complemented on that and we appreciate it, because we still have pockets we need to improve on in greater Minnesota.”
The politians say it was important to return home to talk with the community, especially before heading into election season.
Radinovich says, “As a representative getting out and having the ability to communicate what we’ve done in the legislative session, to answer questions and to talk about our vision going forward is particularly important for those of us that are at least a couple of hours away from the capital.”
Thissen says, “And we want to make sure we’re out talking to people. And also as we move into the election season. A big part of that is understanding what more they think needs to happen. So listening to them is important as well.”
Right now the first thing they’re looking at in the upcoming session is the Transportation Bill.
Thissen says, “We need to put more money into our roads and bridges. Make sure that not only are they safe and getting better but improving, increasing their capacity as well.”
But right now all eyes are on this falls election. Scott Sheahen Lakeland News.