Friends,

The attempted assassination of former President Trump is an absolute tragedy. Our country’s long tradition of welcoming everyone to the political process through debate, rallies, and civic dialogue is undermined when violence rings out instead of cheers of support. We should all be grateful for the fact that President Trump was not more seriously injured. A slight turn of the head or passing gust of wind could have us all in a very different place today, and thank God we are not.

That said, we should not forget Corey Comperatore. Corey was a firefighter attending the rally with his family. When the shots rang out, he protected his wife and daughter with his own body and did not survive. He is remembered by those around him as a committed family man and a leader in his community. It should have been a joyful memory for his family to attend a political event like this, but instead it will now haunt them forever.

Our political culture has coarsened in the last 10 years. The cause isn’t singular — social media, mental health challenges, hard economic times, and the shocks associated with lockdowns have all made it worse. We need to do more to move beyond the negativity, harshness, and lack of basic civility and respect.

Nearly every election I can remember has been called the “most important election ever,” and this year has been no different. It is important we recognize that our strong differences about the future of this country should be settled in November through an election, not any other means. We should persuade people with ideas and rise above statements that suggest the end of America if our preferred candidate isn’t the victor. Political issues ebb and flow, and it’s all part of the debate in America.

The grace of God that allowed this event to not be more tragic is a clarion call to all of us to do our part to contribute to more respectful political dialogue. Link to interview

It’s a joy to serve you. Please help me serve you best by reaching out to me with your ideas, suggestions, or questions. sen.carla.nelson@senate.mn or 651–296–4848. Hope to see you in the community this summer!

Working for you,

Carla J. Nelson

Minnesota Senate, District 24

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Well Water Testing and Remediation
• New Retail Delivery Fee

CARLA IN THE COMMUNITY

• Bryon Breakfast
• MN Building and Construction Trades Council
• SPARK Children’s Museum

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Well Water Testing and Remediation

TESTING

Private well owners in Southeastern Minnesota have access to free water testing kits and analysis on a limited basis. Testing priority is given to individuals most vulnerable to contamination and facing financial hardships.

For testing availability, call:

Dodge County Environmental Services: 507–635–6273

Olmsted County Soil & Water Conservation District: 507–328–7070

REMEDIATION

TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program provides funding assistance to fix contamination issues on a limited basis. Funding Application

New Retail Delivery Fee

Minnesota’s new tax on retail deliveries took effect on July 1, 2024.

The retail delivery tax is another example of a tax increase that never should have been enacted. When the majority ruling Democrats passed the retail delivery tax, the state had a $19 billion SURPLUS! We had more than enough money to fund our shared priorities without taxing Minnesotans more. We were already a high-tax state and now even higher. Every single day, people around the district tell me things like, ‘Carla, it’s so expensive to live here. Everything costs more than it did a few years ago.’ They are pleading for relief. Instead of making life more affordable for the workers that drive the economic engine of this state, the Democrat majorities continue to ask them to pay more and more.

The new delivery tax (fee):

• Adds a $.50 fee on retail delivery orders of at least $100.
• Applies to most tangible goods purchased through large retailers and to deliveries from locally-owned shops.
• Does not apply to prepared food, baby products, and retailers with annual sales under $1 million.

CARLA IN THE COMMUNITY

Byron Breakfast

Thank you to Paul for inviting me to the Byron Breakfast. It was a joy to meet and learn from the group and enjoy fine treats from Otto’s Bakery.

MN Building and Construction Trades Council

Kudos to the MN Building & Construction Trades Council for choosing Rochester for their State Convention! It was a joy to join them. I applaud their dedication to strengthening Minnesota’s workforce and infrastructure.

SPARK Children’s Museum Board Meeting

I was thankful for the opportunity to speak at the SPARK Rochester Children’s Museum board meeting. I look forward to continuing to work with SPARK to enrich the lives of children by learning through play.