RCLLG February Newsletter


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Newsletter Content:

1. March Program Invitation

2. Legislative Update Meeting Recap

3. 2022 Program Recaps

Skilled Workforce Panel

Friday, March 10 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM | Zoom Meeting


Hear a presentation and a panel of experts discuss the shortage of students/youth pursuing the skilled trades and its impact on our workforce and on our communities. You will learn different perspectives on the issue, including opportunities and programming various organizations are offering to combat the shortage. Learn what actions you can take in your cities, government and school districts to support these efforts.


Attendance is FREE! All RCLLG member communities and organizations are invited – please share this invitation with your elected officials and staff!

R.S.V.P. Here!

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Legislative Update Program Summary

Last Friday, March 10th, we held our annual Legislative Priorities & Updates program. As it has been a busy time due to the legislative session, we are thankful for the legislators who were able to pop into the program and share their insights, including the committees they sit on and the bills they are supporting. We were fortunate to hear from Rep. Hemmingsen-Jaeger, Senator Sandra Pappas, Representative Liz Lee, and Senator John Marty.


RCLLG Executive Board members shared an overview of RCLLG's Community Priorities, including PTSD unfunded mandate for public safety officers, education funding, and Local Government Aide (LGA):


  • PTSD unfunded mandate for public safety officers: The League of Minnesota Cities brought HF1234 to the House. The bill attempts to address some of the shortcomings in managing officer PTSD and would include treatment, prevention, mental health, and financial support.
  • Education funding: How do we fully fund education and ensure students’ needs are fulfilled? As an example, the legislature is working to create systems in which BIPOC individuals enter and remain in the teaching field.
  • Local Government Aide (LGA): The goal is to see a consistent application process year-to-year, allowing local governments to plan.


The four legislators in attendance shared the bills they have been prioritizing, including the committees they serve on. Read each legislator’s comments here. Representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger commented on the excitement and energy at the Capitol this legislative session. 


Thank you to those who shared their concerns within their communities and asked questions of our legislators.


What can RCLLG members do?


Stay informed, send letters of support, and ask questions. Thank you to those who continue to do these things!

Read the full notes
Watch the recording
2022 Program Recaps

As we look towards our next program, we want to provide you with a lookback on our 2022 programs.

January: On January 21, we held a legislative update in which we heard from multiple State legislators. The members of RCLLG and the Minnesota State Representatives talked about a variety of issues, including mental health, housing, education, crime, climate change, and more. We heard what bills our legislators are creating and supporting, especially those regarding mental health.


February: On February 11, we heard from a panel of community service organizations who focus on food security. This meeting provided an opportunity for RCLLG members to learn how food is brought to those in need in our communities, and how we as local government entities can find some ways to provide support individually or collectively.


March: On March 11, we heard from Maplewood's Mental Health Outreach Team (MHOT) and Roseville's Community Action Team (CAT) on their challenges and benefits in embedding a social worker into their emergency response teams.


April: On April 8, RCLLG members attended "Mental Health: From Pandemic to Endemic" and heard from representatives from Ramsey County and NAMI Minnesota on we can learn to live with the pandemic’s effects and understand how the past two years has affected mental health in our communities.


May: On May 13, we learned about workforce trends in Ramsey County, and heard from Erin Olsen, Director of Strategic Research at RealTime Talent; Ling Becker, Director of Workforce Solutions at Ramsey County; Mike Hauswirth, St. Paul Chamber’s Education and Workforce Committee; and Jenny Moore, Career Pathways Coordinator for White Bear Lake Area Schools and White Bear Chamber of Commerce Member.


June: On June 10, we attended the “Ramsey County Public Safety Update” program, in which Ramsey County Attorney John Choi shared data from his office related to recent increases in violent crime and described how he and other county leaders have responded. He also discussed new sources of funding, relevant policies and initiatives, & legislative efforts.


July: No Meeting


August: Member Social


September: On September 9, a program on “A View of Mental Health in the Classroom," took place, in which three school-based social workers in Ramsey County shared what mental health challenges look like in the classroom at the K-12 level, including the current tools they use to address these challenges.


October: On October 14, we attended the program on “Responding to the Homelessness Crisis," in which Roseville and Maplewood public safety leaders shared philosophies, policies and resources that provide a humane and effective response to a homelessness crisis.


November: On November 11, we hosted a Veteran’s Day program in which our member veterans were recognized and honored. We heard presentations on veteran resources from Christina Rost, Ramsey County Veterans Service Officer Interim Director and Kurt Johnson, Metro Regional Director for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).


December: On December 15, we held our annual dinner and program. The evening included socializing, hors d-oeuvres, a presentation of RCLLG's Year-In-Review and 2023 strategic plan, followed by our featured speaker, Dr. Irina Fursman, speaking on Leadership in a Loosely-Coupled World.


If you have any questions about RCLLG, your membership, or news listed above, please email RCLLG@mngts.org.

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