While there were many challenges with single-party control in St. Paul, I am grateful for some good items that we worked on this session. Here are some highlights from 2023:

• TV profile on "A conservative lawmaker in the minority works with DFL majority to get things done." Almanac | Republican First Term Senator Jordan Rasmusson | Season 2023 | Episode 42 | PBS
• Newspaper article on nursing home deal: Meet the man who played key role in $300 million for nursing homes - Detroit Lakes Tribune | News, weather, sports from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota (dl-online.com)
• TV segment on repeal of the minimum markup (signed into law this year): Almanac | A Legislative Attempt to Lower Gas Prices | Season 2023 | Episode 25 | PBS
• Local headline after session: Rasmusson pursues support for his rural district – Grant County Herald
• Star Tribune op-ed I authored on Minnesota's economic competitiveness: Minnesota's future: Make Minnesota business-friendly again (startribune.com)

On January 9th, Representative Backer, myself, and the other members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force will be at the Grant County Government Center at 2:00 pm for a field hearing. We are hoping to hear from constituents on ways to improve the life-saving services provided by EMS personnel. This meeting is a listening session to gather public input from western Minnesotans. 

If you wish to testify, please contact the Task Force Administrator at [email protected] by noon on Monday, January 8.

On January 11th, myself and the other members of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) will be at the Fergus Falls City Hall in the City Council Chambers from 4:30-6:00pm for a listening session. At this event, we hope to hear from those in west central Minnesota about pensions.

Topics under discussion could include:

• what is working well as it relates to Commission hearings and what improvements could be made;
• how best can the Commission solicit public input on the direction of Minnesotans’ retirement investments in the context of a joint legislative commission;
• the current and future landscape of public pension funds and how to prepare to keep plans whole and funded;
• how to ensure all public employees in Minnesota, regardless of income, can benefit from a robust retirement system; and 
• how to protect retirement investments in our state’s public pension and retirement plans to guarantee a well-funded retirement.

If you would like to speak at the meeting, please contact Commission staff at [email protected] by  noon on Tuesday, January 9. Those who do not sign up in advance may be able to speak at the meeting if time permits.

On Tuesday, December 19th, the State Emblems Redesign Commission approved the final version of the new state flag. I voted against this Commission as I think it is a waste of taxpayer dollars and lacks robust public input. Below is a photo of the final design courtesy of the State Emblems Redesign Commission.

With Gratitude,

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9