Melissa Hortman, our Speaker, leader, friend and colleague, was killed in an act of political violence last June that also claimed her husband Mark and their dog Gilbert. It felt right spending our first day back commemorating Melissa and her dedication to Minnesota. In the short time since her killing, there have been several dark days and weeks in our state, but Melissa would want us to get to work building a path to brighter days. Despite a near-record number of special elections this interim, the Minnesota House remains in a tie, and the Minnesota Senate maintains a 1-seat DFL majority. This means that, much like last year, the only way we’re going to get anything done this session is by working together. Melissa taught us how to do that work. There’s a lot to do this year. We must respond to damage federal agents have caused in our communities these last few months, and prepare Minnesota for the next instance of overreach from the federal government. We must ensure that state dollars are being used properly to support Minnesotans as intended, and put in safeguards against fraudsters. We need to pass a Capital Investment bill, and meaningfully invest in infrastructure throughout the state, including right here in our community. One of those past infrastructure projects was the Mankato Wastewater Treatment Facility. Prior to the start of session, I was able to tour the ongoing construction of this facility that was funded by the 2023 Capital Investment Bill. As Vice Chair of the Capital Investment Committee, I’ll be working to deliver similar projects this session. |