State Representative David Bly, District 25B

There have been some beautiful sunsets recently, this one taken near Nerstrand.

I greatly appreciate the many greetings and congratulatory notes I have received.  It has been nice to hear from all of you.  Please continue to write and call as I want to be a good ear.   It has been a couple of busy weeks for me.  I've been planning for class, reading essays and attending meetings.  I’ve met several times with other newly elected legislators and citizen's groups.  One of these meetings was with citizens who are concerned about the MinnCan pipeline.  I also have met with the Minnesota Farmers Union.
 
Besides that, I sat in on a few church committee meetings, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer committee meeting, and attended two Habitat Home presentations. I'm glad to say one of my former students and his family will be the recipients of next year's Habitat home to be built in Northfield.

I've learned a lot at the 'new legislator training' sessions. Representatives have a lot to accomplish and numerous obstacles to overcome, but I know we can rise to the challenge.  

The recount in my race happens Monday and Tuesday of this week but I’ve used up my personal days (teachers only get a few) and so I doubt I will be able to be there. I know that both sides will have people watching the proceedings. Other recent recounts have seen only slight shifts in the voting tally and it is unlikely that the House District 25B election will result in another outcome.  If it goes as others have I am looking forward to representing all of you.  

I hope you will have a chance to visit with me either at a town meeting or at my office in St. Paul.  I can't tell you where it is because I don't know myself yet.  There's a lot of moving around going on as Democrats move into the leadership roles.  I have a list of committees and will have to submit my choices this Wednesday.  There are several I am considering but with so many new faces I doubt I will get my first choice in any of the categories.

 We did get an update on the financial picture and surplus is reported but with the caveat that it does not include inflation projections.  When those get factored in it is not likely there will be much left over.  There is already talk of tax cuts and rebates  but I can't see how either of those will be possible as we have made promises to provide help to schools and property tax relief.

I am impressed with this freshman class of legislators and axious to work with them.  It should be an exciting and very informative session.   Here I am with veteran legislator Patti Fritz of Faribault.

Please e-mail me your thoughts and concerns.