Newsmakers: Sen. Rest Says ‘Keep Your Rhetoric Out of the Chamber’
As the Minnesota legislative session approaches, Sen. Ann Rest (DFL–New Hope) emphasizes the importance of setting aside campaign politics and focusing on effective public policy, saying lawmakers must “keep your rhetoric out of the chamber.”
“Leave your campaigns and people who are in the campaign season, leave them outside the door and think more about what good public policy is,” said Rest.
The start of the legislative session is Feb. 17.
She urged lawmakers to focus on good public policy in what she calls a difficult time.
“I believe that the people of our communities have a right to expect us to survive and keep their needs in mind,” said Rest. “We are obligated to keep them safe and to help our neighbors and that might sound like a small task, but it really is not.”
Rest says she’s opposed to adding any taxes that would increase the burden on the poor, and she’s committed to making sure schools are well-funded as is public safety.
“The law enforcement agencies should feel respected, honored, and treasured quite frankly in particular with the actions they’ve had to deal with over the last several months,” said Rest.
Rest will be entering her last session in the legislature, after serving in both the House and Senate for a total of more than 40 years. She’s looking forward to retirement and hopes to find a job teaching.
As to what kind of teacher she’ll be?
Rest quipped that she is a disciplinarian and “doesn’t take any guff.”
“Obviously, I’m joking,” said Rest. “But I would love to spend the next several years back in the profession of teaching.”
See also: Sen. Ann Rest To Retire from State Legislature After 40 Years of Service
Crystal | New Hope | Plymouth | Robbinsdale
