September 6, 2024

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

As a parent and former teacher, the first day of school is always special to me. As most Minnesota students head back to class this week, the new school year is full of promise and anticipation for students, teachers, and staff. On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting Brookview Elementary in Woodbury as they kicked off the school year. It was great to see students back in the classroom, ready to learn and foster relationships with their peers as the new school year got underway.

Minnesota’s Students go Back to School

This year, students are headed back to schools that have the resources they need for our kids to succeed. Thanks to Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, and the Minnesota Legislature, our public schools have record funding to help create a better classroom environment and implement a much-improved reading curriculum for our youngest students. On top of that, students are receiving free breakfast and lunch in every public school. Every parent and teacher understands that a child can’t learn when they have an empty stomach. I’m grateful for the investments our state is making in education, because our children deserve to get the best education possible to set them up for a bright future.

Congress Returns to Washington to Complete the Appropriations Process

Next week, Congress returns to Washington to finish the work of funding the federal government. Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson plans to introduce a proposal that pairs must-pass government funding legislation with a bill that significantly curtails voting rights and makes it more difficult for Americans to access the ballot box. Instead of working in a bipartisan fashion to fund the government through the normal appropriations process, the Republican majority is gambling with Americans’ economic security by doubling-down on the same divisive, extremist policies that led to multiple stopgap funding bills and pushed us to the brink of a shutdown last year. This risky approach to governing hinders our national security, weakens our economy, and leaves Americans wondering whether they can count on Congress to do its job. 

Attacks on our Democracy 

Our democracy is once again under attack by foreign adversaries. On Wednesday, we learned that Russia is waging a disinformation campaign, employing right-wing American media figures to drive divisions in our nation. We cannot ignore the threat this poses to our institutions and elections.

Preserving the Minnesota Habitat for Monarch Butterflies

The North American Monarch butterfly population is vulnerable to extinction because of ongoing threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, and extreme weather events. It has been a pleasure to work with Monarch Joint Ventures, a national partnership based here in Saint Paul that's dedicated to conserving monarch butterflies and other pollinators. On Friday, I joined MJV, students, and neighbors at Falcon Heights Community Park to help tag monarchs, survey milkweeds for eggs and caterpillars, and learn about pollinator conservation. MJV is at the heart of an international partnership to boost species population numbers and protect the future of the marvelous, migratory monarchs!

A Record-Setting State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together came roaring back this year. With nearly two million visitors and five new daily attendance records, the Minnesota State Fair continues to be a pinnacle of our state and a source of pride for our community. If you attended the state fair, worked at a booth, or volunteered in any capacity: Thank you. This incredible tradition continues thanks to your contributions! 

Minnesota Military Families Outdoors Day

Attention service members and military families: Tomorrow — Saturday, September 7th at 1-4pm, Wilderness Inquiry will host the Minnesota Military Families Outdoor Day at Fort Snelling State Park. Join for an afternoon of family-friendly activities, including canoeing, fishing, fire-building, yoga, arts and crafts, and more! Register on Facebook or Wilderness Inquiry. 

Highway Closures Over the Weekend

Plan ahead if you’re traveling on I-94 this weekend! Westbound I-94 will be closed between I-35E and Highway 280 in Saint Paul on Friday, September 6th at 10pm until Monday, September, 9th at 5am. Details on detours, future closures, other projects available on the MnDOT website. 

Eastbound Highway 36 between Interstate 35W in Roseville and Interstate 35E in Little Canada will be closed from Friday, September 6th at 9pm until Monday, September 9th at 5am. Make sure to make alternative travel plans. More information in The Minnesota Star Tribune.