Congrats, Wayzata East Middle School! Recently, the U.S. Department of Education announced the 2023 recipients of the National Blue Ribbon School awards. I’m pleased to share that Wayzata in Plymouth was one of nine Minnesota recipients this year! A big thanks to all our teachers, administrators, and staff who contribute to the academic success and overall well-being of our students and future generations, making us very #PlymouthProud. Minnesota's Task Force on AgingOur good work continues on the newly established Aging Task Force. As the Chair of the task force, we're digging deep with researchers, our state demographer, and older Minnesotans to shift how we think about aging. Long term care is a part of it, but many older Minnesotans remain vibrant, remain in community, and they want to go through their golden years as active members of their community. How do we make that happen? How can we ensure Minnesota has the services and tools available so seniors can age in place? Our task force welcomes comment from members of the public, especially from Plymouth and Medicine Lake, to hear the stories of people who have experienced issues involved with aging in Minnesota. You can submit your testimony here. I recently had an interview with Capitol Report, a weekly public affairs television broadcast program about goals and progress of the task force, and you're welcome to check it out here if you're interested in learning more.  Metropolitan Council Governance Task ForceI've also been appointed to the Metropolitan Council Governance Task Force, which is tasked with studying and evaluating options to reform and reconstitute governance of the Metropolitan Council. Meetings are slated to begin in January of 2024; you can access the schedule here. I invite our community members in Plymouth and Medicine Lake to sign up for updates from the task force and when they can submit public testimony. You're also welcome to send comments and ideas to me directly. Minnesota Manufacturing Report October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, in recognition of the critical importance of manufacturing to our state's economy. Manufacturers employ almost 325,000 Minnesotans – more than 11% of the state's total employment and second among sectors. You may have driven by UAW International Union members employed by the Stellantis parts distribution plant picketing in Plymouth. The workers are striking for fair pay, scheduling, and pensions. Our manufacturing workers, including the folks at Stellantis, are an important part of our local economy- they and their families deserve a fair shake. I was glad to stand with them on the picket line in Plymouth recently as they advocate for themselves and the dignity of their work.  Free COVID testsThis fall, Minnesotans will once again be able to order free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program. Each household can order up to four tests to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year and will begin shipping this week. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov.  State Flag and Seal Redesign Submissions Our Plymouth and Medicine Lake neighbors are invited to share what Minnesota means to them by submitting their creative designs for a new state flag and seal. In 2022, the House passed bipartisan legislation to establish the State Emblems Redesign Commission to develop, design, and recommend to the legislature a new official state flag and seal to represent our great state as it is in the 21st century. Five submissions will be selected for final consideration. The Commission will certify its adopted designs in a report to the legislature and governor no later than January 1, 2024. More information including eligibility, can be found here. The deadline for submissions is October 30. Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5511 if I can be of any assistance. I welcome your input and ideas anytime! Thank you for the honor of lifting up the voices of our Plymouth and Medicine Lake neighbors at the Capitol. Be well, Ginny Klevorn
State Representative |