Peer Day on the Hill On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of speaking to local peer support specialists, nonprofit leaders, and advocates at Minnesota's Peer Day on the Hill. A big thank you to the All Peer Network and Wellness in the Woods Advocates for organizing this meaningful event. After serving my community for the past 37 years as a Doctor of Optometry, I’ve seen how mental and physical health are deeply connected. Peer support specialists play a crucial role in bridging that gap, offering empathy and guidance through their lived experiences. Their work reminds us that mental health care is a journey, not a quick fix, and our state must continue investing in resources and support. It was an honor to stand with such dedicated advocates. Together, we will create lasting change for Minnesota! Standing Strong with Minnesota Dairy Farmers On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining the Minnesota Milk Producers Association for Dairy Day at the Capitol! It was fantastic to meet with our hardworking dairy farmers and hear firsthand about their commitment to producing the high-quality dairy products we all enjoy. One conversation that really stuck with me was with a multi-generational farming family from our district. They shared stories of early mornings, long days, and the uphill battles they face daily just to keep their farm running. Their dedication and grit are a true reflection of the values that make our community strong. These conversations exemplified the importance of supporting our dairy industry with thoughtful, commonsense policies that will help farms thrive for generations to come. You have my full commitment to keep fighting for that! For those interested in learning more about the Minnesota Milk Producers Association and the important work they're doing, I encourage you to visit their website at www.mnmilk.org. Advocating for Minnesota's Agricultural Communities Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nathan Hanel and Kari Schwab as part of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education Day. It’s always inspiring to connect with those dedicated to supporting and advocating for our farming communities. During our conversation, we discussed the Farm Transition Retreats—a valuable, free opportunity for multi-generational farm families. These retreats, offered in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota, provide essential resources for a smooth and efficient transition of family farm operations. Click here to register or reach out if you have any questions. Let’s continue working together to strengthen the future of agriculture in Minnesota! Building the Future: Connecting with the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Skuza, Associate Dean and MN 4-H State Director at the University of Minnesota Extension, along with Ben Capistran, a passionate 4-H member from Crookston, Minnesota. We had a fantastic conversation about his recent projects, from raising livestock to participating in community service initiatives. It's always inspiring to see the next generation of leaders taking pride in agriculture and finding ways to give back to their communities. Their dedication is a powerful reminder of why youth programs like 4-H matter—building leadership, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. I’m proud to support initiatives that invest in young people and help shape a brighter future for all of us. |