Dear neighbors,  

I had a great time on opening day of the Minnesota State Fair, volunteering and talking with constituents at the nonpartisan Minnesota House of Representatives booth inside the Education Building along with fellow District 53-member, Rep. Mary Frances Clardy as well as other elected officials like Senator Tina Smith and Secretary of State Steve Simon. 

I’ll be at the House booth again on Wednesday, August 27, from 12 pm – 2 pm. You can meet House members, grab a Capitol Dome Hat, and learn how to stay informed of what’s happening at the Capitol. You can also take the House’s nonpartisan survey, sharing your opinion on issues likely to come before the legislature next year like school start time, taxing the wealthy, taxpayer funding of stadiums, and more. 

I stopped by the Historic DNR Building to get my hunting license, an annual tradition. DNR staff there are friendly and will help you with any questions you may have. Other highlights included the CWD Information booth, which uses funding from the legislature to educate hunters, and of course stopping by the Honey Booth with Margot Monson! 

Congratulations to Town Square Television for winning several Awards of Honor and Awards of Distinction at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) Government Programming Awards! Your continued coverage of local community events is always appreciated! 

The Minnesota Management and Budget Office released its July Revenue Update showing that Net general fund revenues totaled $2.2 billion in July, $62 million (2.8%) under forecast. Net individual receipts and corporate income tax receipts were lower than forecast, while net sales tax receipts and other revenues were slightly higher. Going into next session, I’ll continue to advocate for a balanced budget that meets the needs of our communities.