Legislators Rest, Peterson Talk With Citizens Jan. 28

Voter identification registration, voter fraud, the Vikings stadium, unemployment, jobs for the disabled and much more were discussed at the Jan. 28 town hall meeting held by State Senator Ann H. Rest (DFL-45), State Representative Sandra Peterson (DFL-45A) and State Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFL-45B).

The discussion was citizen-led and driven by a question-and-answer format.

One citizen said, "Voting is not a privilege, but a right."

Rest responded that voting was a qualified, constitutional "right" and agreed that education was needed on voting, voting ID and registration.

At this point all three legislators do not support a publicly funded Vikings stadium.

Citizens at the meeting asked the legislators to not allow any further cuts to support services for the elderly and disabled including cuts to group homes, Metro Mobility and job assistance programs.

Peterson agreed that the workforce can be more challenging for the disabled and for those who are older or pushing off retirement because they must make ends meet.

What do you think of these topics? Please leave a comment below and let us know!

You can also contact your legislators. Email Senator Rest at: annr@senate.mn or by call her office at 651-296-2889 and email Rep. Peterson at rep.sandra.peterson@house.mn or call her office at 651-296-4176.

(Editor's Note: A correction was made to the paraphrased quote by Senator Ann Rest on voting as a privilege v. a right, which is further explained in her comments below this story.)