Legislative Update
Greetings,
This week wraps up summer as we transition to the fall season and the beginning of another school year. I must address the tragedy that occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. What should have been a fun and exciting day in the first week of the new school year ended in an immense tragedy. My heart breaks for the students, parents, staff, and parishioners that experienced and have been affected by this senseless act of violence. As they work to process and heal after this horrific event, I urge you to keep the Annunciation community and all our children in your thoughts and prayers.
Medford City Council with Sen. Jasinski
Separately, I had the opportunity to attend the Medford City Council meeting on Monday night where I was joined by Senator Jasinski. We are both using our time right now to prepare for the next session and listen to you, our constituents, and our fellow elected leaders in the community. This time is optimal because our research teams and the Revisors office has more time to assemble or revise bills and make recommendations to correct existing laws. Thus, I welcome your recommendations!
Visiting Camp Ripley
In addition, your legislators are traveling for various committees and other legislative activities. Yesterday, I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Camp Ripley courtesy of the Minnesota Army National Guard. We received a tour of the Military Museum under construction outside of the Camp Ripley gate along Highway 371. The location of the museum allows very easy access just off the highway and very close to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. The opening of the new museum is planned for the summer of 2026. In addition, we toured several training facilities and looked at the equipment upgrades and modernization efforts the Minnesota Air and Army National Guard recently received or will receive after a competitive selection process. Our federal Department of Defense constantly reviews each unit’s recruitment, readiness, training, and equipment readiness prior to selecting a unit for upgrades. Minnesota always scores very well, and it shows. Keep up the great work team!
 Mr. Randall Dietrich explains how the outdoor exhibit will be setup once construction is complete
 MN House Legislators, staff members, and Army National Guard staff members viewing the newest version of the M-1 Abrams tank
In Memory of Norman Wolfe
I am a little late sending out this newsletter today as I participated with the Waseca American Legion (Blue Blazers) and the Waseca VFW (White Shirts) to memorialize fellow veteran, Norman Wolfe, United States Army. Both teams work together to fulfill the wishes of each family and respectfully memorialize each veteran from our local communities. P.S. I happen to be holding the white US Army flag and standing behind fellow veteran and former US Marine, Stan Kahl. Certainly, transferring the American flag takes precedence over making sure everyone is in the picture.
Coffee with Tom
Please feel free to join me for Coffee with Tom on September 5th at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce from 12:00pm-1:00pm and at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce on September 12th, 2025 from 12:00pm-1:00pm. As a reminder, the Waseca Chamber of Commerce is now located in the Suburban Furniture building, 105 22nd Ave NE, Suite A, Waseca, MN 56093.
Happy Labor Day
As we head into this weekend, I want to wish you an early Happy Labor Day! I hope you are able to take the time off to relax and recharge before we turn the corner into fall.
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