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The 2021 legislative session is underway, and District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, has been sworn into office for the fourth time.

“It remains such an honor to serve the people of southern Minnesota, and I look forward to finding solutions to the many challenges our state will be facing,” Bennett said in a press release.

Bennett will serve on the Minnesota House Education Finance, Education Policy and Early Childhood Finance and Policy committees.

“Being a former teacher, I am thrilled with these assignments,” Bennett said. “Helping our children and their teachers succeed over the next two years is critical to Minnesota’s future success.”

Bennett represents Minnesota House District 27A, which includes all or portions of Freeborn, Mower, Faribault, Steele and Dodge counties.

District 27 Sen. Gene Dornink, R-Hayfield, was also sworn in this week, begging his first term in office.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Dornink said. “I’m looking forward to learning from my colleagues and representing my community.”

Dornink will serve on the Agriculture, Labor, Licensing, and Capital Investment committees. As a farm-kid himself, he said he is pleased to be able to focus on personal interests of his while exploring new sectors of government as well.

He said he is optimistic moving into his first legislative session and looks forward to making positive change in Minnesota.

Dornink defeated longtime District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks in the November election.