Senator Mary Olson, DFL-Bemidji, will host a town hall listening session Friday, March 5, 9 a.m., at city hall in Pillager.

According to Sen. Olson, the meeting is designed to give area residents the opportunity to offer input on issues the Legislature will be addressing this session.

“Everyone knows our state is dealing with an economic crisis that will require the government to tighten its belt. As we decide how to deal with our budget challenges, it will be important to be thoughtful about the impact of our decisions and think strategically about how to improve our state’s economy as we move forward,” said Sen. Olson.

“The opportunity to hear from people in the district as we balance needs versus costs is central for me. I want to hear how our decisions impact people on a day-to-day basis. In many respects, I believe rural communities have been harmed by the policies of the governor. His proposed budget continues this trend - cutting rural Minnesota where it hurts us most, while mitigating cuts to wealthy suburbs. As a state senator, I’m very serious about my responsibility to advocate on the behalf of the people in my district. Because we’re in this together, opportunities for open discussions are very important to me,” the senator added.

In addition to the Pillager town hall meeting, Senator Olson will hold two other meetings that day - on in Akeley at 1 p.m. and another in Bemidji at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Sen. Olson at 651-296- 4913.