Paulsen Post: Congress on the Corner

On Feb. 24 morning, I continued my efforts to keep the lines of communication open with constituents by holding a “Congress on the Corner” event at the Cub Foods store in Maple Grove. It was a great opportunity to meet with dozens of constituents one-on-one and hear about the issues you care most about.

The top issues of discussion were: jobs, rising gas prices, and taxes. I appreciate so many people coming out to share your thoughts with me. 

At the end of the day, we're all in this together. I look forward to continuing these conversations so I can most effectively represent you in Washington. 

Veterans Roundtable

Our community is home to heroes who have served our nation honorably from Pearl Harbor to the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Making sure our veterans have everything they need is important to me. On Thursday, I sat down with a group of local active duty service members and veterans to discuss ways we can assist those coming home, as well as those who have valiantly served in the past. I was joined at the roundtable discussion by:

-Col. Michael Ochs, Commander of the 934^thMission Support Group

-Col. LeBlanc, MXG Commander 934^th

-Cpt. Sabra Brown, 934^th Public Affairs Officer

-Lt. Col. Sandy Best, Minnesota National Guard, Public Affairs Officer

-Brig. Gen. Denny Schulstad (Ret.), ESGR & Minnesota Military Family Foundation

-Annette Kuyper, Minnesota National Guard’s “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” Program

-Mike Rosecrans, Minneapolis VA Hospital

Minnesota has a great reputation and tradition of supporting veterans and their families.

Visiting with Students in our Community

I enjoyed spending time with young students at several elementary schools this week. 

On Feb. 22, I stopped by Oxbow Creek Elementary in Champlin to read “House Mouse, Senate Mouse” to 1^st graders.  This is my second visit to Oxbow Creek Elementary this year and their  1^st graders always have great questions! Maybe there is a future President of the United States in the group? 

Thursday, I joined a group of bright 4^th graders at Normandale Hills Elementary in Bloomington. Thank you Mrs. Burque and Mr. Kellenberger for letting me visit with your class.

Let me know whenever I can be of assistance and keep in touch. Remember to follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and get my free iPhone App.