Sen. Franken hires former State Rep. Juhnke to handle agriculture, energy, environmental outreach in Minnesota
St. Paul, MN — U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced today (Wednesday, March 2) that he has hired former State Representative and chairman of a key House agriculture committee, Al Juhnke, to handle agriculture, energy and environmental outreach for him in Minnesota.
“Al Juhnke understands how important agriculture, energy, and the environment are to creating jobs and spurring economic development in Minnesota,” Sen. Franken said. “He has spent years working closely with key Minnesota groups, stakeholders, and communities on these issues and knows how important they are to our state’s economy and its future. We’re all lucky to have him back in a role where he’s serving the people of Minnesota.”
Juhnke, who served 14 years in the State Legislature, chaired the House Agriculture & Veterans Affairs Finance Committee. He will be stationed in his hometown of Willmar, but will travel throughout Minnesota on Sen. Franken’s behalf.
During his time in the State Legislature, Juhnke was recognized for his work on bio-fuels and renewable energy, helping make Minnesota a national leader in those areas.
Juhnke recently was recognized by the Minnesota Soybean Growers as their 2010 “Legislator of the Year” for his work during the last legislative session. Juhnke’s commitment to renewable energy is important to Sen. Franken as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Learn more about Sen. Franken’s renewable energy agenda and his Renewable Energy Listening Tour here.
Senator, I congratulate you on making a wise choice in Al Juhnke, I have worked with him on the statewide Next Gen board and in seeking support for the International Renewable Energy Technology Institute. He is very knowledgeable on environmental and energy issues and I appreciate that you have capitalized on his abilities.