Dear John,

It’s been a busy week here in the South Metro – and from visiting MASH in Savage to reading to kindergartners in Apple Valley to meeting with mayors from across Dakota County, it's been a great time!

I wanted to take a few moments to tell you about an exciting event I hosted with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar on Wednesday.

About a year ago, I worked closely with Dakota County law enforcement leaders to submit a request for federal funding for the Dakota County Criminal Justice Network. The funding would be used to build a state-of-the-art records management system to help improve the efficiency and accuracy of information sharing among all of Minnesota’s law enforcement agencies.

When it comes to public safety, getting the right information at the right time makes a world of difference. Having this new records management system would help the network increase efficiency, accuracy and collaboration – and when I heard about it, I was determined to do everything I could to secure this funding.

I’m proud to report our hard work paid off – and that Dakota County will be receiving nearly $1 million to build their new system! It was great to be able to celebrate this funding.

On a side note, I wrote an op-ed about how Congress must take action to hold elected officials accountable – and how that starts with my proposal to rewrite corruption laws entirely.

Check it out here.

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

Visiting Ms. Brookshaw’s kindergarten class in Apple Valley
I had a wonderful time reading We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins to Ms. Brookshaw’s kindergarten class at Westview Elementary School in Apple Valley.

What a bright group of students!

Strengthening local infrastructure
I’m excited to announce that Prior Lake will be receiving $1 million in federal funding to help improve trails and biker and pedestrian safety across the city.

It was great working with Prior Lake Mayor Kirt Briggs and Scott County leaders to bring this funding home!

Working with local partners to discuss the dangers of fentanyl
I joined Change the Outcome’s panel at Eastview High School in Apple Valley on Tuesday to see their work with students firsthand and increase awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

I’ll keep working to expand access to overdose prevention resources across Minnesota.

Behind the scenes with Rep. Craig:

I wanted to introduce you to one of our team members: Matthew. Right now, Matthew is interning in my office and we’re so glad to have him on Team Craig!

If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about how congressional offices work – consider applying to an internship in my office. Applications are now open! 

Well, I’m back to DC next week, and we will see what happens! Hope you have a great weekend.

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress