 Dear Neighbors, We’re officially over halfway through August, which means it’s almost time for the Great Minnesota Get Together! The Minnesota State Fair kicks off tomorrow and runs through Labor Day. I hope you’ll stop by the nonpartisan Minnesota House of Representatives booth in the Education Building to take the 2025 State Fair Survey. If you’re heading to the fair on Saturday, I hope you can stop by my community coffee hour beforehand at Galaxie Library at 9:30 a.m.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you and sharing my recent experience at the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures.  Attended the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures, celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The conference featured a tribute to Melissa and Mark Hortman, plus a video message from Senator Hoffman. Addressing threats and political violence toward elected officials is a sad new reality of our current political circumstances. Sessions covered various issues, with the Medicaid meeting drawing the largest crowd - standing room only. Every state expressed concerns about looming cuts from the Republican bill, which will negatively impact Minnesota health care without improving delivery or outcomes while raising costs. If you can’t make it to this Saturday's coffee hour, no worries! I’m hosting the next one on September 13; same time, same place.  New Law Effective August 1: Cracking Down on Drunk DrivingLast year, the St. Louis Park community was shaken by an unimaginable tragedy when an intoxicated driver crashed into the outdoor patio at the local Park Tavern restaurant, killing two people and injuring twelve others. The driver had five prior DWI convictions in Minnesota. This is unacceptable. In response, we took a close look at the state’s DWI laws, and this session, we passed legislation to strengthen and modernize the interlock program, requiring it more aggressively for repeat offenses while also making it easier for people to access the program. This was a top public safety priority this session, and I’m glad to say it’s now law. It’s a step forward in keeping our roads and communities safer for all Minnesotans. High School Page and Undergraduate Internship ProgramsAre you a high school junior or college student interested in the Minnesota Legislature? Consider applying to the 2026 House High School Page Program or the Undergraduate Internship Program! It’s a great way to get an up close look at how a bill becomes a law, advances out of committee, and passes during a House Floor session. There are also ample opportunities to participate in research and policy.  Photo credit: Andrew VonBank, MN House Photography To learn more information about the High School Page Program, click here. The deadline to apply is December 4. To learn more information about the Undergraduate Internship Program, click here. The deadline to apply is November 7. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5506 with questions, input, or ideas. I hope to see you at Galaxie Library on Saturday morning! Sincerely, Robert Bierman
State Representative  Melissa and Mark Hortman loved music. Their children recently joined The Minnesota Current for a segment featuring their favorite bands and songs. Thank you, Colin and Sophie, for putting together this beautiful tribute. Listen to the full segment here: https://vist.ly/32gm7 |