Representative Connie Bernardy Announces Run for Re-Election to Minnesota House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2022
CONTACT: Connie Bernardy, connie@conniebernardy.com, 763-228-1100
NEW BRIGHTON, MINNESOTA – State Representative Connie Bernardy (DFL – 41A) announced she is running for re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in the newly drawn House District 39B (New Brighton, Columbia Heights, Saint Anthony Village.) “It is an honor to represent the community in which I grew up in. I have such a deep love for the people of our community,” said Rep. Bernardy. “At the upcoming district convention, I hope to earn the endorsement from delegates to run for re-election in our newly created house district.”
Rep. Connie Bernardy is the chair of the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She has served in the Minnesota Legislature for sixteen years representing Columbia Heights School District, New Brighton, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Mounds View, Blaine, and Coon Rapids. Next session she would be the fourth-ranking female legislator in the Minnesota House. Her experience has delivered for residents and communities across our district, including:
- Traffic and pedestrian safety improvements on Central Avenue and University Avenue with high-frequency bus rapid transit scheduled to begin in 2025
- Full-service expansion of the New Brighton License Bureau
- $5 million in funding for a new Springbrook Nature Interpretive Center
As chair of the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, Rep. Bernardy leads a committee with a $4 billion statewide impact. It was the only committee that completed its work on time, despite being the only divided legislature in the country. Under Rep. Connie Bernardy’s leadership of the higher education committee, Minnesota has:
- Increased teacher of color, American Indian, and foster care scholarships and grants
- Increased state grant financial aid, so every Minnesota student can access lifelong education at a university or technical college of their choice
- Increased funding to provide mental health, student basic needs, and emergency assistance support for our students
“Nothing gives me greater joy than serving our community and helping people. I’m excited to talk to our DFL delegates about my experience delivering for our community and our collective vision for our community and state. I hope to earn their endorsement on April 2. I will honor and abide by their decision,” stated Rep. Bernardy.
###
Connie grew up in Columbia Heights and Fridley. She lives in New Brighton. She is in her eighth term at the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Connie is the Chair of the Higher Education Finance & Policy Committee. She also serves on the: Transportation Finance & Policy Division; Elections; Ways and Means; and the Property and Local Tax Division. She has also been appointed to numerous commissions by the Governor and Speaker.
Connie Bernardy has gotten funding and passed numerous bills for our community including, $5 million for Springbrook Nature Center, protections for our seniors, transportation safety improvements, opportunities for students – including all-day kindergarten and preschool spots. She has received numerous statewide and local awards for her work helping students, seniors, and the environment.
She believes, every Minnesotan deserves access to quality, affordable health care, a world-class education, clean water, air, and land, and a state where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Growing up in Fridley, Connie gained a strong love and commitment to the people of her community. She attended Spring Lake Park Public Schools. She married Dan, her wonderful husband of over 30 years, and their girls attended Fridley Public Schools. They currently live in New Brighton.
Connie’s career has been bringing people together and creating community partnerships – especially to improve health, education, and the environment. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, ancestry research, and spending time at the lake with her family.