Today, Minnesota Senate President David Osmek (R-Mound) was named Champion of the Suburban Transit Providers by the Suburban Transit Association (STA). The prestigious award recognizes legislators that support the organization and engage in a collaborative effort to prioritize the needs of regional suburban transit.  Osmek was chosen for the honor after working with STA to ensure the group received an equitable share of federal Covid-19 assistance in order to maintain service during the pandemic.

Chanhassen City Councilmember Jerry McDonald, a Board member on the Suburban Transit Association, said. “Senator Osmek has been a long-time supporter of SouthWest Transit and the Suburban Transit Association. In 2021 he introduced key legislation, which resulted in all the suburban transit systems receiving a share of the federal COVID Relief funding, which was critical for suburban systems to maintain operations throughout the pandemic.  Without Senator Osmek’s persistence, the funding would not have been allocated equitability to transit providers across the Twin Cities.”

“Senator Osmek is a true champion of effective transit services and has always been a strong voice advocating on behalf of suburban needs. His insight, tenacity, and compassion have been a great benefit to the commuters, seniors, and individuals needing better mobility in the suburbs.” Said Len Simich, Southwest Transit CEO.

Senator Osmek has served on the Senate’s Transportation Committee for nine legislative sessions. This is his fourth time receiving the Champion of Suburban Transit Providers award – the most of any legislator, past or present. He was previously honored in 2013, 2014, and 2017.   The Suburban Transit Association was founded in 1995 to reduce congestion in the fast-growing metropolitan area by providing high-quality transit options. Its members include the Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth Metrolink, and SouthWest Transit.