Susan Allen swearing in video

Rep. Susan Allen, first Native American woman elected to Minnesota Legislature (and fourth in the nation) was sworn in during very brief ceremony on the Minnesota House of Representatives floor with her family, friends, campaign volunteers and Capitol coworkers including myself (Luckily I was getting done with my shift to attend this event). This would be my best first day back at my Capitol job besides free staff appreciation lunch courtesy of Minnesota State Senate. People who came to the Capitol was brave enough to come in when it was subzero weather outside because as what Rep. Allen said, Native Americans can make it through really cold outside because it is Minnesota. 


As you may notice I was on the floor, I was there to witness the history and it was like Rep. Allen is "Ricky Rubio" (for people who are not into NBA, Ricky is newest Minnesota Timberwolves player) of the Minnesota Legislature that may bring in more excitement regardless of GOP being the majority. With Rep. Allen being latest addition to the Legislature, it should be most interesting session to watch.  


Rep. Allen will be one to be most watched at the Capitol by Legislative junkies and insiders like myself and the media. 


If you was wondering whose desk I sat at, it was Rep. David Dill's seat. Rarely the House floor would be open to the public like this but only when there is special event. During the ceremony, I could feel the vibration of the drum that was played by Little Thunderbirds because it was very close to where I was sitting. They did played music before the ceremony and I could feel the vibration when I was standing by House Chamber gate. Allen's words was very amazing and very inspiring. 


I was blessed to be part of this history that I could witness my new coworker being sworn in. It was very awesome. One of many reasons I love working at the Capitol is that I get to interact with Legislators on regular basis and meeting different people.


2012 Session Opener starts on Tuesday, January 24 and if you are at the Capitol, you will be able to watch Rep. Allen in action for first time at noon. 


Rep. Susan Allen replaced Jeff Hayden who is in the Senate. She represent house district 61B that is part of South Minneapolis. She won special election on January 10. 

Rep. Greiling Retires After Long Career Focused on Education, Mental Health Reform

St. Paul, MN – Currently serving her 10th term, State Representative Mindy Greiling (DFL – Roseville) announced her retirement from the State Legislature today. Rep. Greiling will continue to serve until the end of the upcoming session. 

During her tenure, Rep. Greiling focused her legislative efforts on properly funding and reforming Minnesota’s public education system, serving as Chair of the House Education Finance Committee for four years and transitioning to DFL-Lead on the same committee in 2010. In addition to her work on education, Rep. Greiling was a strong legislative advocate for improving the way we perceive and treat mental health in Minnesota. 

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Senate District 54. Serving has enriched my life with a great sense of purpose for the common good. 

“I was proud to lead the legislative charge in the Minnesota House of Representatives to reform and properly fund our mental health system. We increased funding more than in any other legislative session in the history of our state. 

“However, I must honestly say, that I am leaving with a heavy heart that we now owe our public schools $3.45 billion, over $4,200 per student. I have been proud to author a sweeping education finance reform bill, developed by a broad coalition, which would properly fund schools at the state level and make the system fairer and more welcome to local innovations. I am hopeful to see enactment of this plan in the future. 

“While I announce my retirement today, I look forward to serving out the conclusion of my term. We still have much work to be done and I intend to continue fighting for the best interests of people.”

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THAT IS RIGHT YOU ARE READING THIS... 


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OTHER SITES SUCH AS GOOGLE AND WIKI ARE DOING IT SO I AM DOING SAME THING. 

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