Nearly two-dozen Minnesota legislators plan to volunteer Wednesday night at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, preparing meals and laying down mats for homeless and needy people.
The efforts was organized by DFL state Rep. John Ward of Baxter and GOP state Rep. Jenifer Loon of Eden Prairie,
They say they hope to organize monthly volunteer opportunities for legislators in the 2014 session.
Ward said in a statement:
"At a time when partisanship is high and people are divided, we wanted to work together, build relationships with our colleagues and communities, and make a positive difference in people’s lives. We do a lot of talking at the legislature and encouraging people to be active in their communities and volunteer. It’s time for us to walk the walk and do some direct, positive work in our communities."
And Loon said:
"As public servants, we work side by side each day in the Capitol for the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota. What better way to continue that work outside the Capitol walls by volunteering with local charities. We hope ‘Legislators Uniting to Volunteer’ is a new way for Democrats and Republicans to work together to serve those in need in our community."
In addition to Ward and Loon, other participants are:
- Rep. Connie Bernardy, DFL–Fridley
- Rep. Kathy Brynaert, DFL–Mankato
- Rep. Lyndon Carlson, DFL–Crystal
- Rep. Raymond Dehn, DFL–Minneapolis
- Rep. Zachary Dorholt, DFL–St. Cloud
- Rep. Peter Fischer, DFL–Maplewood
- Rep. Laurie Halverson, DFL–Eagan
- Rep. Jason Isaacson, DFL–Shoreview
- Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL–Minneapolis
- Rep. Ron Kresha, R – Little Falls
- Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL–Dilworth
- Rep. Rena Moran, DFL–St. Paul
- Rep. Erin Murphy, DFL–St. Paul
- Rep. John Persell, DFL–Bemidji
- Rep. Joe Radinovich, DFL–Crosby
- Rep. Linda Runbeck, R–Circle Pines
- Rep. Shannon Savick, DFL–Albert Lea
- Rep. Mary Sawatzky, DFL–Willmar
- Rep. Erik Simonson, DFL–Duluth
- House Speaker Paul Thissen, DFL–Minneapolis
- Rep. Kurt Zellers, R–Maple Grove.