Voters across the nation have given Republicans the opportunity to make things better.  Jobs and the economy were the big issues in the recent election, and we have a big job ahead.  I was glad to see the new committee structure released by legislative leadership, one that cuts down on the number of committees and makes the process more streamlined.  It also should save the state money, with estimates ranging upwards of half a million dollars in the two-year biennium.

I want to continue focusing on agriculture and education.  It's going to be a difficult time for our schools, as they face flat funding, at best.  Agriculture also has its challenges, especially for those raising livestock or dairying, because input costs are rising, while prices  received for their products stay the same or even decline.

Thanks to the voters of District 13A for sending me back to St. Paul for a second term.  Having experience at the Capital will help make me a better legislator.  As always, contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have.