Copyright Minnesota House of Representatives. Photo by Paul Battaglia
ST. PAUL, Minn. – (April 26, 2018) – Representative Erin Koegel is in her second term representing parts of Blaine, Coon Rapids and Spring Lake Park.
About a month after being re-elected last fall, she had a daughter; and about 4 weeks after that, the session began. So Representative Koegel, and baby Clara went to work.
“Bringing her with me,” said Koegel, “I felt would be a good thing to do.”
Clara is frequently pictured on Koegel’s Facebook page, showing some of their highlights- including meeting the Governor and passing bills on the floor.
“We have so many members that comment about how great of a baby she is, and sometimes they’re saying how she’s the most well behaved committee member.”
With a child in her lap nearly every day, she’s securing funding and getting bills passed. She authored the new remote meeting law, and is working to help graduating special education students find work after high school.
She working on maternal health initiatives, and finding funding for dangerous roadways.
“We’ve also been working behind the scenes with MnDOT about some of the safety issues on University Avenue.”
With a few weeks left in the session, Representative Koegel says that the legislative experience with a child in tow was a little non-traditional, but it was great.
“Having her with me, I think, it was good for me, it was good for her, and I was still able to represent the people of our community while being a mom.”
Beyond bonding with her child, Representative Koegel found another, unexpected benefit.
“It also just been a great opening to talk to some of the folks across the aisle as well, and build relationships that way too. Maybe we need more babies on the floor at the legislature.”
