2011-11-24    Recent Activities

Since the special session last summer I have been quite busy.  In my role as chair of the Legacy Division of the House of Representatives I've had to attend numerous meetings and functions across the State.  Currently funds are being distributed in the four categories:  Habitat, Water, Parks and Trails and Arts, History, Culture.  I was pleased that we were able to institute more transparency and accountability into the funding process.

We also appropriated $500,000 in legacy money to plan for the restoration and renovation of our State Capitol.  Our beautiful building is in trouble.  The roof leaks, the marble is fractured and sugaring.  We need to do something now to maintain the integrity of the building.

We are in the Sesquicentennial  of the Civil War.  At my urging Governor Dayton created a task force to coordinate Minnesota's observance of this important event.  I am the co-chair of the task force.  It is even more important because this also marks the 150th anniversary of the Dakota Conflict of 1862.  Technically this is considered part of the Civil War and we must respectfully recognize this event.

I have also been involved in reform efforts.  My focus has been on government, regulations and education.  We simply can't continue to do things as we have in the past.