HANDS OFF! Weekly Protest

JOIN US!

When:    Every Friday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where:    Alongside Ames Park
                (across from Subway, Taco Bell and Northfield Fire Station - where Hwy. 19 crosses Hwy. 3)

Bring your protest sign or borrow one of ours.

3 Ways to Get Involved in The Rice County DFL

I first got involved in the Rice County DFL back in 2004. I attended my first precinct caucus, conventions, and meetings. At each event I learned how to get more involved and I did.

The Rice County DFL (Democratic Farmer Labor) Party is the organizing party unit within Rice County for the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party.

Our party unit is organized and ran by all volunteers. We work year round to organize, engage DFLers and support DFL candidates in Rice County. Our activities range the gambit from fundraising to registering voters. 

There are numerous ways to get involved in the Rice County DFL and we welcome all involvement.

Here are 3 ways to get involved:

1. Attend our monthly meeting.

    - Meetings take place normally on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM and are held online 

       via Zoom.

    - E-mail us if you'd like to attend:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com 

2. Help organize your precinct.

    - We have precinct leaders who are working on building teams and community in precincts.

    - Help organize your precinct by joining a team!

    - E-mail us for more information:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com 

3. Sign up to receive our ACTION Newsletter.

    - We send out our newsletter throughout the month with various opportunities to get involved.

    - To sign up send us an e-mail:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com

We welcome all to be involved. Feel free to contact us with any thoughts, questions, or concerns. We'd love to hear from you. E-mail:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com 

Shawn Groth

Chair, Rice County DFL

The Week That Was

 

As I reflect on "The Week That Was", the words and feelings that come to mind are:  Community, Neighborly, Unity, Helpers, etc.

The above quote from Mr. Rogers is so fitting for "The Week That Was". 

Texas

Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbors in Texas. Lives have been lost, people are struggling for bare necessities - it's truly a disaster. And the quote above came to life with what's happening in Texas.

It's easy to say "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." This part of Mr. Rogers' quote was given life by Texas Senator Ted Cruz who fled the snowstorm and devastation with his family and literally left the country. Then when pressure was put on him - he came back early and blamed his children for his total disregard for those in his state who were struggling and dying.

And then there were "...those who see the need to respond." The "heroes".

There was Beto O'Rourke who organized volunteers to make more than 784,000 wellness calls to senior citizens and others around the state of Texas.

There was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who raised over $3 millions for Texans who are suffering.

"We hit $3.2 million in assistance for Texans across the state just last night," Ocasio-Cortez said at the Houston Food Bank Saturday morning. "I think this shows that New York stands with you, but the whole country stands with you."

But besides the "big names", there are regular folks who are stepping up to help as well.

Jim McIngvale, who goes by "Mattress Mack" is known to open his furniture stores to those in need. So when the snowstorm hit and many were left in the cold, hungry and needing water - he opened some of his showrooms and invited hundreds in for warmth, food, drink and a place where they could rest.

Locally

Locally, this past week - we've seen Mr. Rogers quote in action too.

Faribault Senator John Jasinski lived up to the "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." part of Rogers' quote as he continued his campaign to divide Minnesotans by declaring that tax payers dollars shouldn't go to help Minneapolis and St. Paul recover from the riots of last Summer. He continued to pit rural Minnesotans vs. metro Minnesotans. And his supporters are joining him - here's a sampling of Facebook comments on Senator Jasinski's posts:

"They made the mess they need to clean it up! They elected to inept people that run the city."

"Oh hell no. They made their bed and now they have to sleep in it!"

"No bail out!!! They allowed it to go on, they can live with it"

Senator Jasinski is the definition of a total hypocrite.

When a tornado hit Faribault the State of Minnesota - all Minnesotans came to the aid of Faribault. And Senator Jasinski wasn't shy about asking for state funds to help in the recovery effort of Faribault and surrounding areas, as he should've.

I was in Faribault that night with our Central Committee holding our monthly meeting. We were less than a mile from where the tornado touched down. It was hard to see a community I love, support, and grew up in and around be savaged by the tornado.

It was great to see the outpouring from all Minnesotans and the State Government to help Faribault recover.

Now some will argue it was different because it was a natural disaster. Well, I would argue that the folks who were affected whether by the tornado or by the rioting - the innocent business owners, families and residents who were affected would see no different in their damage. They were all hurt by something that was out of their personal control.

As Minnesotans we take care of each other. We take care of our neighbors - no matter what. That is the true spirit of the North. The true spirit of our state that we love. 

There is no place for those who want to divide us for political reasons. There's no place for the mind set of "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem."

We're in this together. No matter your political beliefs - when we see our neighbors needing help, we help them. Period.

- Shawn G.

Minnesota DFL supply drive

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day just around the corner, the Minnesota DFL is hosting a supply drive to help those in need! Dr. King’s work on economic justice had one main idea: that all people should have what they need to live. 

Join us for a day of service and help contribute to Dr. King’s mission! All materials collected will go to St. Stephen’s Human Services and Simpson’s Housing Services. Both organizations work to house and support people experiencing homelessness. They all need our help to support participants in their programs and guests in their shelters! 

Here’s what you need to know: 

Time & Date: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 

Location: MN DFL at 255 Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN 

Items needed: Full list and more information available here 

 To help protect folks from COVID-19, please wear a mask and practice social distancing when dropping off donations. We ask that you please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. 

 We can’t wait to see you there as we all support Dr. King’s vision, St. Stephen's Human Services and Simpson’s Housing Services!

Rice County DFL - July 2020 Meeting

Join the Rice County DFL at our monthly meeting (Central Committee). 

All DFLers are welcome to attend.

When: 

Thursday, July 9, 2020
6:30 p.m. - Meeting Starts

Where: 

The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom (online).

Please e-mail us at:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com

To participate in the meeting.

Lawn Signs

Hello Everyone,

Well it's that time of the year. Lawn signs have begun popping up.

If you'd like any of the DFL (Democratic Party) Endorsed candidates' lawn signs - please fill out this request form:  https://forms.gle/igwmtkd9Q7Y3cPrq5

Lawn signs will be delivered as they become available.

Thank you in advance for supporting our local candidates!

2020 Rice County DFL Precinct Caucus Locations

WHEN:

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Registration Opens:  6:30 p.m.
Precinct Caucuses Start:  7:00 p.m.


WHERE:

Not sure what precinct you live in?
Click here and follow instructions to find out:
https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us

Faribault Middle School

(Cafeteria)

704 - 17th Street West

Faribault, MN 55021

 Precincts meeting at this

location:

Cannon City Township

Faribault P-1

Faribault P-2

Faribault P-3

Faribault P-4

Morristown City

Morristown Township

Nerstrand City

Richland Township

Wallcott Township

Warsaw Township

Wells Township

Wheeling Township

***

Northfield Middle School

(Multiple Rooms - See Below)

2200 Division Street South

Northfield, MN 55057

Precincts meeting at this

location:

Bridgewater Township (room 162)

Dennison City (cafeteria)

Dundas City (cafeteria)

Northfield W-2 P-1 (room 160)

Northfield W-2 P-2 (room 161)

Northfield W-3 P-1 (room 163)

Northfield Township (room 171)

***

* NEW LOCATION *

St. John’s Lutheran Church

(St. John’s Hall and Commons)

500 3rd Street West

Northfield, MN 55057

 Precincts meeting at this

location:

Northfield W-1 P-2

Northfield W-4 P-1

***

St. Olaf College

Buntrock Commons

(Black & Gold Ballrooms)

1520 St. Olaf Avenue

Northfield, MN 55057

Precinct meeting at this location:

Northfield W-4 P-2

***

* NEW ROOM *

Carleton College

Weitz Center

(Cinema)

320 3rd Street East

Northfield, MN 55057

Precincts meeting at this

location:

Northfield W-1 P-1

***

* NEW LOCATION *

Trondhjem Lutheran Church

7525 Garfield Avenue

Lonsdale, MN 55046

Precincts meeting at this

location:

Erin Township

Forest Township

Lonsdale City

Shieldsville Township

Webster Township Precinct 1

Webster Township Precinct 2

Wheatland Township

8th Annual Hotdish Dinner, Cook-off and Dessert Contest Fundraiser

WHEN:

Sunday, October 6th, 2019

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Social Hour with Music by Bonnie and the Clydes

5:00 p.m.
Dinner, Hotdish/Dessert Judging, Program, Speeches & More!

WHERE:

Northfield Ballroom

1055 Highway 3

Northfield, MN  55057

SUGGESTED DONATION:

$15.00 per person

$25.00 per couple

FREE - kids 12 and under

Everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay.

JOIN US FOR:

Guest Speakers including:

candidates, elected officials, and other dignitaries.
Music by Bonnie & The Clydes
Hotdish & Dessert Campaigning
You're the Judge - Hotdish and Dessert!
Live & Silent Auctions
And much more!!!

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EVENT:

Biodegradable Plates and Utensils (forks, spoons, etc.)
Composting by Northfield Curbside Composting

7th Annual Hotdish Dinner & Cook-Off Fundraiser AND Dessert Contest

Primary Rally

The August 14th primary is just days away! Join Chair Ken Martin and DFL-endorsed candidates  Erin Murphy for Governor,  Erin Maye Quade,  Matt Pelikan for Attorney General, and  Julie Blaha for State Auditor at the Northfield DFL Office on their "Get Out The Vote Tour" across the state.

Afterwards, head to your early vote polling place to vote in the DFL primary! 🗳 www.dfl.org/vote

When:
Monday, August 13 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where:  
Bridge Square Park
19 Bridge Square
Northfield, MN 55057
(Downtown Northfield)

Democracy in the Park

Senate District 20 DFLers Enthusiastically Endorse State House Candidates - Barbara Dröher Kline (20A) and Todd Lippert (20B)

Over 200 DFLers turned out Tuesday evening to endorse candidates for State House in districts 20A and 20B at the Senate District 20 DFL Convention.

Barbara Dröher Kline of New Prague received the DFL endorsement for district 20A. In her acceptance speech she spoke to the need of having someone to represent the people in the district and discussed her current outreach efforts. Within the last week she’s been working with the Le Sueur County Commissioners on an effort to bring rural broadband to the area.

“Barbara is a person of action. She has a proven record of getting things done. She’s already working on getting rural broadband coverage for Le Sueur county – an issue that has been unaddressed by the current Representative. We are extremely lucky to have someone with Barbara’s drive and desire to truly represent the people of the district running for office.” said Shawn Groth, Chair of Senate District 20 DFL.

Todd Lippert of Northfield received the DFL endorsement for district 20B. In his acceptance speech he spoke about his conversations with voters addressing their concerns and the issues that matter most to them. He spoke of governments role in addressing the issues that are for the common good.

“Todd has been working for the common good throughout his life as a pastor. He has already been out having important conversations with folks and he’s hearing their concerns – but more importantly he’ll carry those concerns with him. Todd will continue the fight for hard working middle class families, the working poor, and he will give a voice to the voiceless. We are excited that Todd is running,” said Shawn Groth, Chair of Senate District 20 DFL.

In other business of the convention the DFLers in attendance elected new party officers:  Shawn Groth of Lonsdale as Chair, Jane Moline of Dundas as Vice Chair, Angelique Dietz of Northfield as Outreach & Inclusion Officer, Therese Barnett of Erin Township as Secretary, and Kathy Sommers of Northfield as Treasurer.

Convention attendees also heard from the DFL’s Congressional candidates Dan Feehan (First District) and Angie Craig (Second District).

State Representative David Bly was recognized for his years of service to the communities in which he serves. He addressed the convention thanking delegates for their continued support over the years, and spoke about the legislative session.

“We are so excited to have two great candidates for 20A and 20B, and looking forward to getting them elected so we can take the people’s house back for the people!”, said Jane Moline, Vice Chair – Senate District 20 DFL.

June - Monthly Meeting

With Special Guest Speaker

State Representative David Bly

When:

Thursday, June 14, 2018

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Socialize / Dinner

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Meeting

Where:

The Family Diner / SuperAmerica

(Meeting Room in Diner)

2519 Lyndale Avenue North

Faribault, MN 55021

DFL Endorses Congressional Candidates

Rice County is split between two Congressional Districts - the First and Second. This month both DFL Congressional District units held their conventions where they endorsed our candidates for U.S. Congress.

Saturday, April 22nd - First Congressional District DFL  endorsed Dan Feehan.

The Rice County DFL had full representation at the First Congressional District DFL's convention with all six of our delegates and alternates in attendance.

Saturday, April 14th - Second Congressional District DFL  endorsed Angie Craig.

Rice County DFL delegates and alternates made their way to the Second Congressional District DFL's convention in a blizzard. We had our seven delegate seats filled.

Volunteer with the Angie Craig for Congress Campaign

Northfield Twice Weekly Phonebanks: Tuesdays and thursdays, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Carleton College - Sayles Room 251 North College Street, Northfield, MN. 55057 Phonebanks: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. Headquarters - 13710 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN Doorknocks: Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Headquarters - 13710 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN

Take ACTION: Town Hall

 

Town Hall Meeting

- From State Representative David Bly -

Friends,
I’ll be joining Senator Matt Little at the Northfield Library for a town hall meeting next week. Here’s the information I sent out to local press about the event:

Sen. Matt Little (DFL-Lakeville) will be hosting a town hall to discuss the events of the past legislative session. Rep. David Bly (DFL-Northfield) will be joining Senator Little for the question and answer portion. The meeting will give folks the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns with how bills of the past session will impact their lives. Desserts from Brick Oven Bakery and coffee from Hideaway Coffeehouse will be served.

The event is free and open to the public.

What: Town Hall with Senator Matt Little and David Bly in Northfield

Where: Northfield Public Library, located at 210 Washington St., Northfield, MN 55057

When: Thursday, July 27 from 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m.

6:30 -- 7:00 p.m. Meet and greet with coffee and desserts provided

7:00 -- 7:10 p.m. Brief overview of Senator Little's year in office

7:10 -- 8:00 p.m. Questions and answers

I hope you’ll be able to join us.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

David Bly

Take ACTION: Volunteer Opportunity

 

Volunteers Needed!

We need your help addressing and stamping postcards for

the Second Congressional District DFL's Fall Classic fundraiser.

When: 

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Anytime after 5:00 p.m.

There will be food and drink.

Where: 

Peggy Anne's house

2000 Lake Drive

Northfield, MN 55057

We will have some fun and get the work done!!!

For more information contact:

Peggy Anne Hawkins

(507) 649-0798

Second Congressional District DFL Executive Committee Meeting

When:

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where:

The Chart House

11287 Klamath Trail

Lakeville, MN  55044

Accessible Site

The Second Congressional District covers part of Rice County 

(see area highlighted in yellow).

In The Know: Health Care

 

Health Care

 

Valerie Jarrett slams GOP for not including women in health care discussions, The Hill

With The Senate’s health Care Vote Delayed, What’s Next For Democrats?, NPR

Ted Cruz’s Big Plan to Save the Senate Health Care Bill is a Crock of Nonsense, GQ

Health Care Showdown Continues In U.S. Senate, KEYC

McConnell Looks to Salvage Health Care Bill, WCCO

What’s at stake for Minnesota in the Senate health care bill, MPR

Senator Franken Says GOP health Care Bill is a Really a Tax Cuts, KVRR

The harm in the Senate’s health bill is unconscionable, MinnPost

GOP leaders are prepared to make big boost to healthcare innovation fund, The Hill

DNC Chair Says GOP Constituents Angry About Health Bill, Bloomberg

GOP and Trump should go back to the drawing board on health care, MinnPost

As Republicans put repeal-and-replace on hold, what would actually fix the Affordable Care Act?, 

MinnPost

Patients with pre-existing conditions fear bias under GOP health proposals, MPR

People you know will be hurt by GOP health care cuts, Rochester Post Bulletin

GOP Obamacare repeal teeters after Senate shelves vote, MPR

Chisholm’s Dawn Burnfin heads to D.C. to plead for the lives of her patients, City Pages

Trump faces enormous test with healthcare bill, The Hill

Behind closed doors, tensions in the GOP, The Hill

Medicaid cuts in GOP health care bill could take toll on Minnesota seniors, Star Tribune

Republican health plan is a disaster for Minnesota’s small businesses, MinnPost

5 GOP Senators Oppose Health Bill—Enough to Sink It, WCCO

Senate Republicans Work to Gather Votes to Pass Health Care Bill, CBS

Drug pricing order would cut regulations, The Hill