Over the last few nights, the St. Cloud area has seen unrest but I have been impressed with the measured response from the St. Cloud Police Dept. under the leadership of Chief Blair Anderson.
Chief Anderson and his officers have used their community relationships to de-escalate the ongoing situation.
Last week, I met with Anderson and other members of the department to discuss the outstanding work they have done with Minnesota’s first COP House in St. Cloud.
Their effort is a partnership between the St. Cloud Police Dept., Mayo Ambulance, CentraCare Health and Stearns County Social Services. My office was honored to assist with the procurement of the home, which hosts community events such as English language programs, back-to-school events, dental & breastfeeding clinics, legal office hours, and kids’ activities.
$40 Million Grant
Monday, we received some exciting news that Anoka County will be granted $40 million from the Dept. of Transportation to construct two new grade-separated county highway overpasses of U.S. Hwy. 10/169 and the parallel freight and commuter rail line.
This is a project I have long advocated for because it will benefit Minnesotans traveling in and around Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District. This is a major artery for economic growth and commuters. These funds will ensure this is a safer and more efficient transportation route.
FinTech Hearing
Last week, I led a hearing on the digital dollar and the use of technology to better distribute benefits during the Coronavirus pandemic. This task forces allows congress to explore innovations that have led the United States to dominate global commerce and technology. Looking forward, we must support these innovations and ensure that any new standards brought forth by the government continue to support and protect our individual freedoms and American entrepreneurship.
Legislators must understand the technology before they regulate it, and I am intent on allowing these technologies to flourish so they can continue to empower individuals and make their government more accountable directly to them.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Monday, we recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
I introduced the Senior abuse Training and Offense Prevention (STOP) Act, which would create a specialized grant program to support law enforcement, first responders, and existing community efforts to combat elder abuse. Read more on my website.
Around Minnesota’s Sixth District
Last week, I visited Fairview Health Clinic in Princeton to learn about their ongoing efforts to defeat COVID-19. It was a pleasure to visit with Dr. Greg Schoen to discuss their important work. My office was able to connect Fairview with thousands of masks for frontline health care workers throughout this pandemic, and it was an honor to visit and see the outstanding care they’ve been providing.
Congressional Art Competition
Every year, my office participates in the Congressional Art Competition.
This is an annual competition for high school students across the United States. This year, Hannah Warner, a recent graduate of Holy Spirit Academy in Monticello, won Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District’s Competition for her oil on canvas piece titled, “Fading Autumn”.
