DFLer Susan Kent Reflects on First Term as State Senator

There’s no grace period for new state senators.

Whether it’s learning the mechanics of the legislative process and the issues themselves or gathering input from stakeholders and constituents, Sen. Susan Kent had to dive right in as a freshman lawmaker.

Another thing she learned as one of Oakdale's two senators: “No matter what I do, I get cranky emails.”

The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up the 2013 session Monday at midnight.

Kent (DFL-Woodbury) said she approached her public service with “reverence” and found her colleagues, many of whom were also first-term legislators, to be equally committed.

“So impressed with the caliber of people,” she said. “They work hard. They care deeply. … These are smart, capable people.”

Kent served on three education committees at the Capitol, and a major education bill was among the session’s highlights.

Funding for all-day kindergarten and flexibility in spending for pre-K, along with helping match post-secondary students with curriculum that will help them find jobs, are among the measures that Kent hopes helps Minnesota sharpen its reputation for academic excellence.

“We’re losing an edge,” she said. “We’ve got to reinvest, and we can’t just throw money at the problem. … But I think we made some really important steps and there’s still more work to do.”

Find more of the bills Kent backed on her official Senate webpage.

Between now and the start of the next session, Kent said she will digest what happened this year, follow up with constituents and begin planning for 2014, which could be big for transportation.

There was road-funding discussion at the Capitol that “opened a bunch of eyes” this year, she said, and transportation improvements must be viewed through an economic-development prism.

Kent said she will also continue to communicate with area city, county and school district leaders, though formulating a clear consensus on certain issues was challenging at times during this past session.

“This is a diverse district. Some legislators have a very mandated district. I don’t have that luxury,” she said. “I have to do what I believe is in the district’s best interest.”

In the end, Kent said she tries to generate a consensus on issues and make clear her obligation to District 53 and the state.

“And do it with integrity and honesty,” she said.

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