Happy Thanksgiving from Rep. Wayne Johnson

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear friends and neighbors,

I want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving. This is a special time to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones, and appreciate the blessings in our lives. I’m thankful for the chance to serve our communities and for the many people who make this district such a great place to call home. Happy Thanksgiving!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with folks and visit the wonderful communities across our district and around the state. I wanted to share a few highlights from those visits below.

Photos from Around the District and State

On the 17th, I met with fellow small business owners who make up the Minnesota NFIB board. NFIB is the National Federation of Independent Business.

NFIB represents small business owners throughout the US. I shared my experience during my 1st year as a legislator, and we discussed the challenges facing small businesses and the challenges that were created for them in St Paul.

Thank you to the House Capital Investment Committee for visiting Cottage Grove's Ravine Regional Park. They stopped by on their tour of bonding projects to hear about Washington County's CR19 and Hwy 100 road project, which is in partnership with the City of Cottage Grove. They also learned about the ski trail lighting project, which will help school cross-country teams and other cross-country ski participants by providing lights for when the sun goes down early.

Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham and Mayor Myron Bailey provided information on the value the projects will bring to our county and the rest of the state. I also want to thank the county staff and administration for their awesome help and work in bringing the meeting together.

I revisited Rahr Malting, this time for a new reason. They are partnering with Koda Energy, which uses old wood pallets and grain byproducts to create heat for the malting process. They are also looking for state support to start burning wood from diseased ash trees and downed trees. There are so many that need to be disposed of, and this will allow us to reduce the need to use natural gas.

Cottage Grove Walmart had its ribbon-cutting last weekend to celebrate its total remodel. They did a great job rejuvenating the store. There was a lot of celebrating with team members and those who led the change. Walmart also presented checks to Friends in Need, the Cottage Grove Public Safety Fund, and RISE! Walmart is a great corporate and community partner.

Visiting those I represent and speak for is critical. I visited another school at the invitation of the Stillwater School Board to learn about their programs that are succeeding and talk about where they need help. I will continue to listen and learn for our kids.

Congratulations on an awesome win and season by the Stillwater Ponies! They won their 4th state championship after a 3-2 win over Wayzata at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Representative Wayne Johnson

House District 41A

Serving Lakeland, Afton, Baytown, Cottage Grove, Denmark, Grant, Lake Elmo, Lakeland Shores, Lake Saint Croix Beach, Saint Mary's Point, and West Lakeland.

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