Legislative Update

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you and your family having a safe and stellar summer! My daughter, Polly, and I recently returned from a trip to Nebraska to celebrate my Grandma Hilda’s 95th birthday. I hope you’re also getting to spend some quality time with family and loved ones.

Now that I’m back home in St. Cloud, I wanted to touch base with you about some things that are happening in my life and in our community, as well as an update on new laws that have recently gone into effect.

Accountability

You are my boss. I work for you, and I am accountable to you, so I want to be straightforward and transparent about a recent incident in my life.

On Friday, July 7, while attending a weekend wedding celebration outside of Mora, Minnesota, I was stopped by law enforcement in Kanabec County under suspicion for driving while impaired. The Kanabec County Attorney is awaiting the results of a test before deciding on further action.

I wholeheartedly apologize to you, and thank the law enforcement officers who made sure I got home safe. 

I take full responsibility for my actions, and I ask for your forgiveness. I am committed to doing the work I need to do in my life to ensure nothing like this ever happens again, and that my actions live up to the trust you have placed in me.

Somali Independence Day Celebration

Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending a community celebration in recognition of Somali Independence Day at Lake George. I had the opportunity to connect with many of my Somali-American constituents, and hear directly from them about the issues and challenges impacting their lives.

The issue I heard about the most was the need for more affordable housing opportunities. When I spoke to the crowd, I mentioned a few of the resources I helped secure for affordable housing during the 2023 legislative session:

• $10 million – First-time homebuyer fee-based assistance program (no-interest)
• $100 million – Community-based first generation homebuyers assistance program
• $50 million – First generation down payment assistance

If you have any questions about how to apply for these affordable housing resources, please shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to help you!

Recognition of Achievement for Minnesotans with Disabilities

I am honored to receive an award from Minnesota’s Centers for Independent Lifestyles in recognition of my accomplishment of securing a record $14 million to help seniors and Minnesotans with disabilities remain in their homes.

I am so grateful for the staff at Centers for Independent Living for providing the services and support to make it possible for Minnesotans with disabilities to live an independent life with choice and dignity. I will continue to be their champion at the Capitol!

New Laws Go Into Effect In July, August

Some of the laws that we passed during the historically productive 2023 legislative session have already gone into effect as of July 1st, and more on August 1st! These are just a few of the most noteworthy ones. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Stay In Touch

That’s it for now! As always, please stay in touch and let me know if you have any questions or feedback about the things mentioned in this email or anything else, and let me know if I can be of service to you in any way. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B