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Friends and neighbors, I talk a lot about what’s happening in St. Paul, but this week, I want to focus on our District. In this newsletter, I'm sharing an incredible achievement at a local college, a Congressional Art Challenge from Representative Fischbach, and a great class for students from the Kandiyohi Chamber of Commerce. There’s also some information on a venison donation program and some upcoming (and free) Paid Leave workshops for business owners. A quick update on the legislative session: This Friday marks the first and second deadline for bills. This is the cutoff for committees in one house (like the House or Senate) to approve a bill or its matching version (called a "companion bill") that already passed the first deadline in the other house. The third deadline (April 17) is the later cutoff for committees to approve the money bills, or the major budget and finance bills that spend or raise state money (i.e., education funding, health care, roads, taxes, etc.). Have a great week, and reach out to my office if you need anything. Thanks for reading, Andrew |
| Congratulations to Ridgewater College President Craig Johnson for Being Recognized with the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award |
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Dr. Craig Johnson, President of Ridgewater College, has been selected to receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and its Board of Directors. The award recognizes retiring college presidents whose leadership demonstrates an enduring commitment to student success and the development of student leaders. “The strength of each student’s experience is shaped in many ways by the value college presidents place on Phi Theta Kappa,” said Lynn Tincher‑Ladner, Ph.D., President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Dr. Johnson’s nomination and election reflect a career grounded in student success from the very beginning.” The Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor presented to retiring college presidents whose leadership has demonstrated an enduring commitment to student success and to the mentorship of student leaders. Dr. Craig Johnson, President of Ridgewater College, will retire May 19, 2026, culminating eight years of dedicated service to the institution. Since assuming the presidency in 2018, he has led the institution through a period of significant growth and renewal. His leadership has been marked by expanding academic offerings, strengthening partnerships in the Hutchinson and Willmar communities, supporting strong enrollment growth, and championing a culture of belonging for students and employees. “The impact of Phi Theta Kappa is shaped by the commitment of college leaders like Dr. Johnson,” added Dr. Tincher-Ladner. “His nomination is a testament to the gratitude PTK students feel – not only for themselves, but for the generations of students who have benefited from his leadership.” Dr. Johnson will be honored during the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention on March 27, 2026. |
| Congressional Art Challenge |
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High school students from Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District are encouraged participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition. This longstanding, non-partisan tradition is a wonderful opportunity for students from across the district to showcase their creativity and hard work. Winners will have their work on display in Representative Fischbach’s Moorhead, Willmar, and Washington, D.C. offices, and the first-place winner will have their work hung in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be seen by members of Congress, staff, and thousands of visitors from across the world. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. CT on Monday, April 20, 2026. For more information, visit Representative Fischbach’s website. |
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| Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation in Minnesota |
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The Minnesota Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program allows Minnesota deer hunters to donate deer carcasses to food banks, food shelves, and feeding programs. This program, which is a cooperative effort between the MDA and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides an excellent source of protein to people in need and supports management efforts of local deer populations. In 2025, Minnesota hunters donated 13,883 pounds of venison from 403 deer to food banks, food shelves, and feeding programs, an amount that exceeded 2024 donations by more than 50%. |
FREE Paid Leave Workshops |
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Minnesota’s Paid Leave program brings new requirements for employers across the state. There are several free, online Minnesota Paid Leave workshops that offer practical guidance on compliance and how to prepare your workplace. Who Should Attend
Register |
MN Fraud Files |
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Originally created during the eight-year term of Gov. Mark Dayton, Center of the American Experiment’s Scandal Tracker was reopened to account for the ever-growing list of frauds and scandals perpetuated under the Tim Walz administration. |
Have a great week!
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Andrew R. Lang Minnesota Senate, District 16 |