This past Sunday, August 27th, Representative Kristin Robbins and I joined Blois Olson on WCCO Radio at the Minnesota State Fair. We joined Blois on Sunday Take to discuss the future of the Minnesota Republican Party. You can listen to a recording of it here. It was a pleasure to be able to sit down with Rep. Robbins and Blois, and it was great to be able to spend the day at the State Fair. The State Fair runs until Labor Day, September 4th, so be sure to stop by before then!

The Daily Journal's 2023 Best of Otter Tail County survey is available to fill out now! Choose your favorite foods, places, fashion and more of Otter Tail County. You can vote each day until the 10th of September. It is a privilege to be nominated as one of the elected officials of 2023. If you feel like filling out the survey go to https://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/contest/bestof/#// and vote on all of your favorite things about Otter Tail County.

I was happy to invite the Senate Capital Investment Committee to visit the future site of the Infinity Center in Breckenridge. Community members presented their future plans for the Infinity Center. For more details, click here to read the article that the Wahpeton Daily News wrote on the visit.

On August 12th, Senator Murphy and I visited the Fergus Falls Veterans Home. This year, we were able to secure millions in funding for our veterans in a standalone bill that I was proud to vote in favor of. It was great to talk with the residents and staff to get their feedback on how Minnesota can better support veterans and their families. The picture above includes myself, Senator Erin Murphy and Mr. Joel Johnson, a Korean War veteran. In his words, "there's no place like this anywhere else in the United States." Click here to read the article that the Fergus Falls Daily Journal wrote about the visit.

Minnesota has recently seen more than a dozen police departments announce the removal of their school resource officer (SRO) due to uncertainty surrounding a change to a statewide school discipline law. This includes Otter Tail County Sherriff’s Office’s announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 30, that they will remove their SRO from Underwood School District. The Echo Press also recently reported that Alexandria's school resource officer program is in jeopardy due to this change.

Until our law enforcement agencies receive clarity on this new law, even more of our school resource officer programs will be suspended. Our SROs are critical to ensuring a safe learning environment for our students, and we must find an immediate solution that allows them to do their jobs effectively. I will continue to work with our local law enforcement and school districts as we find a solution that ensures the safety of our students, teachers, school administrators and staff. 

Senate Republicans are ready with the proper language to correct this change, and we are calling on Governor Walz to consider a special session to make the necessary changes. To read more on this visit here.

I am honored to be named one of the League of Minnesota Cities' 2023 Legislators of Distinction. Thank you to our local elected officials and their staff for strong advocacy on behalf of our area. I always appreciate the opportunity to partner with state and community leaders on policies that benefit everyone in our community and the rest of greater Minnesota. Click here to read an article that the Fergus Falls Daily Journal wrote on this award.

With Gratitude,

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9