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Elections are becoming more and more contentious. Some on both sides are getting far too comfortable in their chairs while others work hard to exemplify compassion, humility and understanding. Thankfully for the greater Hastings and Cottage Grove areas, we have officials that understand who they represent, and they take the time to listen to their constituents.

With the Minnesota elections over by nearly two months, the time has come for our elected officials to be sworn in. The first week of January, it was the local officials. Mayors, City Council and so on. The second week it was our state officials turn.

The Journal sent an email to Representative Tony Jurgens and Senator Karla Bigham with three questions. What does it mean to you to take the Oath of Office for the State of Minnesota as a Representative/Senator? What do you hope to accomplish this session? The third was simply confirming how many terms each had been elected. Representative Keith Franke could not be reached by press time to gain any additional comments.

Representative Tony Jurgens (R-Cottage Grove) is entering his third term serving Hastings, Cottage Grove, Afton, and Denmark and Nininger Townships in District 54B.

In his statement to The Journal, Representative Jurgens said, “It’s truly an honor to be given the responsibility by the voters of my district to represent their interests in the House of Representatives for the third time. Being sworn in a few days ago means as much to me as it did in 2017 and 2019. It is a privilege that is both awesome and humbling. I’ll continue to do the best I can in fulfilling that responsibility. Our top priority this session is to pass a balanced state budget for the 2021/2022 biennium. That task is difficult enough in a typical legislative session and will prove to be even more challenging this year as we continue to work remotely. But, as the Minnesota constitution requires, we will get there and we will pass a balanced budget.”

“As we continue to operate under Governor Walz’ executive orders, finding workable solutions for shuttered businesses and unemployed residents will be critical this session, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Jurgens added.

Committee Details: Representative Jurgens will be serving on the Minnesota House Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy, Housing Finance and Policy, and Early Childhood Finance and Policy committees.

Rep. Jurgens encourages you to share any legislative questions or concerns you may have. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 651-296-3135.

Senator Karla Bigham (D-Cottage Grove) is entering her second term serving the communities in Senate District 54.

In her statement to The Journal, Senator Bigham said, “Taking the oath is a very meaningful experience because it is the core of our democracy. It is a moment of humility of the honor given to me by the voters. Additionally, it is a reminder of the gravity of the tasks that lie ahead. My top priority is getting this virus under control and helping the people it has impacted. Making sure we get people vaccinated will allow us to turn the page on this unprecedented time to get all kids back in the classroom and the hospitality industry opened up. By working together, lawmakers need to pass legislation for a plan to draw down some of the Executive Orders. That legislative plan has been missing the whole time during this pandemic. I am hopeful we will pass a budget on time with plenty of bipartisan support.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to once again take my oath of office to serve as state senator, and I am excited to get to work with my colleagues to craft a budget and address the issues facing the residents of SD 54,” said Bigham. “While this session will look different, we remain committed to getting our work done safely and on time, and in making sure our constituents can participate fully in an open and transparent session.

“With my experience as a Cottage Grove City council member, a Washington County Commissioner, and my previous work as a paralegal, I bring a strong background and interest in these issues,” said Senator Bigham. “We have a lot of work to do, and I am excited to get to work in the 2021 Session.”

Committee Details: Senator Bigham will be serving as the DFL lead on the Civil Law and Data Practices Committee, in addition to serving on the Judiciary Committee and the Local Government Committee.

Due to the ongoing precautions required by the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the Capitol will be limited. Constituents are encouraged to reach out by phone: 651-297-8060, email [email protected], or to write to Senator Bigham’s office: 95 University Avenue W.Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2411 St. Paul, MN 55155.

Representative Keith Franke (R-St. Paul Park) is entering his second (non-consecutive) term in office as the 2021 legislative session begins. Franke returns to the House Chamber to represent district 54A after previously serving from 2017-2018. District 54A includes portions of Cottage Grove, Newport, South St. Paul, St. Paul Park, and Grey Cloud Island Township.

“I am thrilled to be back in Saint Paul representing my neighbors in District 54A,” said Representative Franke. “As a small business owner, I am eager to work with my colleagues to help our great Minnesota businesses through this economic crisis so they can safely reopen and bring back jobs.

“Perhaps even more critical to our state’s long-term future, is the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to be the Republican lead on the Behavioral Health Policy Division. The wellbeing of all Minnesotans is very important to me, and I look forward to tackling mental health and addiction issues in this role.”

Besides leading Behavioral Health Policy Division, Franke will also be serving on the Capital Investment and Workforce and Business Development Finance & Policy committees this session.

Constituents can contact Franke at 651-296-4342 or by email at [email protected] His office is located on the second floor of the State Office Building in room 229. Mail can be sent to: Representative Keith Franke, 229 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.

Senator Karla Bigham hands her election certificate to Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Judge G. Barry Anderson. Photo by Minnesota Senate Photography

Commissioner Lisa Weik being sworn in.

Commissioner Gary Kriesel sworn in

Commissioner Fran Miron