Dear John,

Today marks the end of the summer district work period for Congress. Next week, I am headed back to Washington for votes. What a week this past one has been!

These past few days have been full of groundbreakings, meetings and tours. We also had some pretty cool happenings on the personal front, so I wanted to take a few moments to share the highlights of my week.

On Wednesday, I was in Jordan with Mayor Mike Franklin to celebrate the next phase in upgrading the U.S. 169 and Highway 282 interchange. This project has been in the works for over 20 years – and it’s taken a huge bipartisan effort from all levels of government to keep it moving forward.

I’m proud to have played a role in bringing home millions in federal funding to bring us closer to completing this project and making the City of Jordan safe and accessible for all drivers, bikers and pedestrians.

This week, I also toured the women’s correctional facility in Shakopee. I learned a lot during my tour – and I was able to meet with members of AFSCME Council 5 who work at the facility. They offered great insight into what sort of resources and support they need, and I’m heading back to Washington with lots of ideas about how we can help.

And yesterday, I was in Eagan for the groundbreaking of Nicols Pointe. In 2024, Nicols Pointe will open its doors – offering 24 new, affordable homes to Eagan’s seniors and veterans. These new homes will be situated next to a shopping center, a transit station and the VA and they will be a great home for all those who move in.

Projects like Nicols Pointe don’t just happen magically – they happen because a lot of people are determined to make them happen. I was proud to have partnered with Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire and Dakota County Commissioners Mike Slavik, Liz Workman and Laurie Halverson to secure the federal funding needed to make sure Eagan’s veterans and seniors have a beautiful place to call home.

Here's some of what else I was up to this week:

Modernizing law enforcement resources
Yesterday, I met with the Criminal Justice Network in Inver Grove Heights to get an update on their efforts to develop a state-of-the-art records management system for law enforcement across Minnesota. 

Hosting Town Hall #57

On Wednesday, I hosted my September Town Hall – and it was great to hear from so many of you. A big thank you to Rebekah Radiske for moderating and for sharing about her work with AFSCME. 

Meeting with my Veterans Advisory Council
On Tuesday, I met with my Veterans Advisory Council in West St. Paul to hear what Minnesota veterans need and double down on our efforts to better support veterans’ mental health through my work in Congress.

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

It’s a great personal behind-the-scenes moment from me this week: Cheryl and I are over the moon to introduce you to our newest grandson!

Our son Josh and his wife Allison decided last year that they wanted their first child to be adopted – just like my son Josh was. And early last week, our family was blessed with the birth of this amazing little boy. The adoption was final this week – and Cheryl and I are preparing to spoil him rotten.

That’s the end of my update! I hope you all enjoy one last summer weekend here in Minnesota.

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress