Dear Friends and neighbors,
The 2015 Legislative Session is underway and it is truly an honor and privilege to once again serve you, your family, and neighbors here in St. Paul. I am looking forward to bringing Southwestern Minnesota values back to St. Paul.
Session Begins
This past Tuesday, January 6th, 133 of my colleagues as well as myself took the oath of office marking the official beginning of this year’s session. In addition to the inauguration of members, we elected Rep. Kurt Daudt as our new Speaker of the House, elected a new Chief Clerk, and established some temporary House rules
With the pomp and circumstance of the first day behind us, it is now time to get to work on issues that matter to Minnesotans. Our top priority this session will be to set the state’s two year budget. I am looking forward to bringing fiscal responsibility back to our state budget as well as more focus on Greater Minnesota. We do better when all of Minnesota is thriving, not just the Twin Cities metro area.
Committees
Committees will shift into high gear this coming week. This is where much of the work is done on crafting policy as we hear testimony from constituents, agency officials, and policy experts. I am fortunate enough to have been appointed to five committees. They include Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance, Taxes, Commerce and Regulatory Reform, Rules and Legislative Administration, and Capital Investment where I will serve as vice chair.
I am especially excited to be serving as vice chair of the Capital Investment committee. This committee is tasked with putting together the state bonding bill that is used to fund important projects around the state that are of public significance. I am anxious to get to work crafting a bill full of practical projects that benefit the entire state.
Staying Connected
If you do make the trip to St. Paul to visit me in person this session, please note that my office number has changed. I am now located in room 491 of the State Office Building. Please keep an eye on your email inbox as I will be sending weekly legislative updates keeping you up to speed on what is happening in St. Paul. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. I can be reached via phone at 651-296-5374 or email at rep.chris.swedzinski@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Chris