Dear Eastsiders,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to update you on what I’ve been working on at the State Capitol over the past few weeks, particularly in my role as the DFL co-chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division.
During this busy session, I have had the privilege of engaging with a variety of veterans and military leaders to discuss the pressing needs and challenges faced by our servicemen and women. It is essential that we find meaningful ways to support those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. As many of you know, I previously served as vice chair of this committee, and I am proud to continue advocating for veterans' issues, building on previous initiatives like the Veterans Defense Project and Veterans Voices Radio.
In recent weeks, I have met with veterans from our community who are grappling with challenges related to housing and healthcare. I am committed to working collaboratively with city, county, and federal agencies to ensure they receive the assistance they deserve.
Additionally, as many of you have expressed concerns regarding the tied Minnesota House, I am pleased to report that my DFL and GOP colleagues have reached an agreement that safeguards our democracy and addresses critical issues. You can read my official press statement here.
This agreement ensures environmental protection, education funding, and measures to curb prescription drug price gouging, as well as support for reproductive rights, and so much more of the progress we have made in the last two years. It is important to note that the agreement reflects a commitment to bipartisanship and collaboration—something I remain dedicated to as we navigate these complex discussions this new biennium.
Looking ahead, next week our Veterans and Military Affairs Division will hear from leaders from the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Military Affairs, which will allow us to gain further insights into the needs of our veterans. I also serve on the Capital Investment and Legacy Committees, where we will be hearing from various department leaders.
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