Hagedorn eyeing flood threat

ST. PAUL – Congressman Jim Hagedorn of southern Minnesota said Monday he met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Col. Sam Calkins of the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as other federal, state and local officials, to discuss the increasing threat of flooding and emergency preparedness in Minnesota.

Hagedorn says the record-breaking snowfall across Minnesota’s First District, combined with recent rainfall and warmer temperatures, has created flooding conditions that could pose a threat to property and the safety of southern Minnesotans.

Hagedorn said individuals across the First District should consider taking the following actions:

o Check their insurance coverage.

o Conduct a household inventory for insurance purposes

o Protect documents and keep important supplies close at hand.

o Install a sump pump

o Prevent sewer backups by installing drain plugs for all basement floor drains

o Elevate appliances and electrical equipment

For more information, visit Ready.gov/floods

Hagedorn takes ‘listening tour’

MANKATO — Congressman Jim Hagedorn visited Mankato on Monday as part of a listening tour.

Hagedorn met with Teamster pension recipients about the impact federal law is having on their retirement. He also toured the facilities of the Open Door Health Clinic and the Minnesota Valley Action Council.

On Monday afternoon, Hagedorn hosted a senior health care roundtable whose participants included Lutheran Social Services, Silver Sneakers representatives and individual constituents. He reiterated his commitment to work with like-minded colleagues to continue coverage of pre-existing conditions while exploring innovative solutions to reducing health care costs and premiums.

“Numerous community service organizations in Mankato serve residents across a broad spectrum of demographics,” Hagedorn said. “My goal was to be able to speak with some of those on the frontlines providing these important services and to meet with those being served, so that I could learn about their successes and the challenges they face.

“Today’s constituent meetings revealed the deep passion southern Minnesotans have for fellow residents and our communities. After learning of how onerous regulations often create barriers to providing needed care and assistance, it’s my continued priority to streamline and reform the federal regulatory process. I remain committed to ensuring that local communities have the flexibility to best serve their citizens.”