SW Minnesota Today

The Minnesota Supreme Court recently ruled that males who identify as a different gender are permitted to compete on female sports teams. The decision has prompted a range of responses, with some concerned about its impact on girls' athletics. Ongoing debate is expected, and there is speculation among political commentators that the Preserving Girls Sports Act may be prioritized in the next legislative session. This act would limit participation in certain school sports teams to students identified as female at birth.

Reports of fraud within Minnesota continue to surface following the legislative session. This week, it was revealed that the state's Department of Human Services continued to send funds to a nonprofit organization even after its board chair faced fraud charges.

During the legislative recess, Representative Marj Fogelman has been meeting with constituents and local organizations across her district. She met with a representative from the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA) to discuss issues affecting the Latino community, including economic opportunities, access to state services, and educational needs.

Fogelman also participated in a tour with the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee at Minnesota West. The visit included presentations about funding requests for updates to the college’s nursing facility and water and sewer projects for Butterfield and Trimont.

She visited Worthington’s Career Force Center to learn more about their programs for schools and the public. In Fairmont, she attended a District Court meeting focused on truancy alongside Senator Weber and court officials; judges, educators, and state representatives discussed how truancy affects area schools.

Data centers are drawing attention statewide. Fogelman met with Nobles Cooperative Energy and Geronimo representatives regarding plans for a new data center in Nobles County, discussing potential economic growth and job creation linked to this project.

Additionally, Fogelman spoke with members of Worthington’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) group about mental health services and legislative support for those affected by mental illness.

She expressed anticipation for volunteering at Hy-Vee’s annual Veterans Day breakfast in Worthington—a community event offering free meals as appreciation for veterans’ service.

Constituents wishing to contact Representative Fogelman or invite her to events can reach her by phone or email.

"I met with a representative from the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA) to better understand the issues and concerns affecting the Latino community within the district. The discussion focused on ways the state can support the Latino community, covering topics such as economic opportunity, access to state services, and educational needs."

"As a state representative, it’s always good to hear from people about their experiences and their access to mental health services, and learn how the legislature can help."

"It is an honor to be a part of this community event that offers a free breakfast to local veterans as a token of appreciation for their service."