The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 34 state lawmakers, including Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville), as 2019 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s legislative session.
“Greater Minnesota is fortunate to be home to many strong, growing communities,” said Senator Howe. “It is an honor to be recognized by the League for my advocacy on their behalf. In the coming session, I will continue to work together with local officials and community members we make great strides to ensure our communities remain productive and safe places for our citizens to live.”
Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s Board of Directors in recognition of the collaboration of state and city officials needed to successfully serve shared communities and meet the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban residents across Minnesota.
To be eligible for the award, legislators must achieve one or more of the following criteria:
- Be generally and reasonably accessible to League representatives
- Seek input on issues of importance to cities
- Listen to League concerns and be receptive to League-provided information on issues
- Sponsor and/or support League initiatives
- Speak out on behalf of the interest of cities
- Demonstrate the importance of partnership between the state and cities
Senator Howe was the chief author of many League-initiated bills, including a bill that would have fully funded reimbursements to employers for providing continued health insurance benefits for public safety officers injured in the line of duty and dependents of those killed in the line of duty, and a bill that would have created an account to fund local components of state transportation projects.
The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis, trusted guidance, and collective action. The League serves its more than 830 members through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services