Friends and Neighbors,

Veterans Day

Last week, I joined students at Delano and Buffalo high schools to speak at their Veterans Day assemblies. I shared some of my own experiences from my time in the service and encouraged students to appreciate the value of their freedom that is so easily taken for granted.

Here is a little bit of what I shared with them:

“Today I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your freedoms – the privilege it is to enjoy your education, dream for your future, and look forward to all you will do one day to make this world a better place. Be wise with the gifts you have been given. Do not squander your freedom, but rather channel the strength of the men and women who have served and given their lives for you. Do good work with the opportunities they have protected on your behalf. In these times, we are losing so much of what makes our nation unique. Appreciate one another and serve one another to the best of your ability. I have hope in your generation that you will recognize what we have to lose and continue to fight for it so that all that has been done before you will not be in vain.”

I was honored by the opportunity to speak to these students. So much rests on the shoulders of the upcoming generations, but I have faith that they will continue to protect what we have fought for.

Agriculture Committee hearings

The finance and policy divisions of the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Committee held joint committee hearings in Clearwater and Crookston last week. The hearings, chaired by Senator Bill Weber and Senator Torrey Westrom, were an opportunity for constituents to hear from and speak directly with legislators regarding agricultural-related policy issues. I joined their meeting in Clearwater.

In addition to testimony from the public, we heard from area farmers, ag businesspeople, and members of advocacy organizations. Finally, the committee toured a farm in the Clear Lake area, Crookston’s American Crystal Sugar Company factory, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) in Crookston.

Farmers around the state have proved resilient despite this difficult year. We are grateful for their work and appreciate their willingness to share with us their concerns so we can best serve them at the legislature. We will continue to keep these lines of communication open as we look forward to next session.

Veterans Court

The Judiciary committee and the Veterans committee, which I chair, took a joint tour of the Veterans treatment courts on Friday. Veterans treatment courts play a significant role in keeping our veterans out of the criminal justice system by taking the impact of their military service into account. They require regular court appearances, treatment sessions, and random drug and alcohol testing. By meeting obligations set by the courts, veterans are getting the help they need to reintegrate. Connecting to specific benefits and services is extremely useful as they pursue a successful future. Today’s tour was especially encouraging.

The camaraderie built there is inspiring. It is changing lives and I will continue to support the important work being done here for our veterans.

Please contact me any time at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Bruce