The Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition (MTGC) recently presented their 2020 Legislative Excellence award to Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point).

“The award recognizes Senator Ruud’s consistent dedication to tourism in Minnesota and her efforts to preserve Minnesota’s longstanding tourism tradition…” said Anna Tanski, President of the Minnesota Tourism Growth Council.

Senator Ruud has championed many bills in support of tourism funding and policy. She is particularly invested in this issue, as her district is a well-known tourist destination.

“The Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition is bringing awareness to the importance of tourism for the economic development of our state and I am thankful for their partnership,” said Senator Ruud. “Minnesota has a lot to share, and I will continue to support initiatives that invest in tourism and keep it thriving – creating more opportunities for communities and businesses in our district and the state.”

Recently, she advocated to preserve the post-Labor Day school start. Labor Day weekend is significant to the industry, as it has long been used by families as a final vacation of the summer. An early school start could be detrimental to the tourism industry because families would choose to shorten their vacations to prepare for school.

Senator Ruud introduced and passed SF3111 in the Environment and Natural Resources Finance committee this week. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 in 2021 to Explore Minnesota Tourism for funding new events that will benefit communities in Minnesota.

Tanski added, “Senator Ruud has been a leader in tourism issues for many years, and we greatly appreciate her work.”