I performed my second oath of office as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives Tuesday as the 92nd Minnesota Legislature was installed at the Capitol.

My re-election occurred in November and I represent District 15B, including portions of Benton, Morrison, Sherburne and Wright counties. I have been selected to serve on three House committees: Local Government Division, Climate and Energy Finance & Policy, and Higher Education Finance and Policy.

Being sworn into the House of Representatives comes with a sense of gratitude to District 15B residents and an obligation to continue doing my very best representing the people of this area in particular and Minnesotans in general.

The return of the Legislature also underscores the importance of restoring balance at the Capitol after our state has lived under the governor’s unilateral rule for the last 10 months. Minnesota workers and businesses have been hammered by the governor’s iron-fisted control and we need to get serious about safely re-opening our state.

I can be reached at my legislative office by calling (651) 296-2451 or by emailing rep.shane.mekeland@house.mn. I also provide periodic email updates and citizens can sign up to receive them at my official state website: www.house.mn/15B.

As a COVID-19 precaution, Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony was conducted with many House members participating remotely from their legislative offices instead of in the chamber as is tradition.