State Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin) was sworn in Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, beginning her third term serving District 27B in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

First elected in 2004, Poppe has worked to bring millions of dollars in bonding money to her district, helped boost funding for schools, and improved funding for early childhood and higher education.

“Without a doubt, the most pressing business of the 2009 legislative session will be addressing the projected state budget deficit of $4.8 billion,” Poppe said. “It will be important that we meet this challenge in a fiscally sound manner, while at the same time protect the values that make Minnesota a great place to live.

“I am committed to examining our budget to make sure we are spending our state revenues wisely, recommending cuts in areas that will do the least harm, as well as possibly re-allocating funds where they can do the most good,” she said.

Poppe has been named vice chairperson of the State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Committee in the upcoming session. In addition, she will serve on the Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division, the Higher Education and Workforce Development Finance and Policy Committee, and the State Government Finance Division.

“I want to thank the people of District 27B for once again giving me the honor of representing them,” Poppe said. “Please continue to contact me with your questions and concerns on any issue.”

Poppe can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4193 or by e-mail at rep.jeanne. poppe@house.mn.