Dale Lueck State Representative

District 1 OB

Aitkin and Crow Wing Counties

Senator Paul Gazelka Senate Majority Leader 95 University A venue W. Minnesota Senate Bldg, Saint Paul MN 55101

Senator Gary Dahms Chair, Commerce Consumer Protection Finance & Policy Committee

Dear Senators, Gazelka, Dahms & Osmek,

Minnesota House of Representatives

August 19, 2020

Senator Dave Osmek Chair, Energy and Utilities Finance & Policy Committee

(Transmitted Electronically)

As you prepare for Commissioner Kelley's job performance hearing scheduled for Friday August 21, please find concerns that Senator Ruud and I share with respect to his unsatisfactory performance. His persistent effort to block replacement of aging Enbridge Pipeline #3 is especially troubling.

By continuing the frivolous appeal of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) decision to authorize the certificate of need and route permit for the replacement of aging Enbridge Pipeline 3, Mr. Kelley is acting contrary to the best interests of Minnesotans, and in particular the citizens of the Senate District 10 and House District 1 OB, which we represent. Those concerns include:

• Delaying the Enbridge Line #3 replacement project continues to put the environment in Northern Minnesota at unnecessary risk. Line 3 is roughly 60 years old and operating at half capacity due to its poor condition.

• This project will create about 8,600 jobs (6,500 of them local) in Minnesota over a two-year period. That includes 4,200 union construction jobs, half of which likely be filled locally.

• Minnesota's economy will receive an almost ,$3 billion boost, the majority of that investment will go into northern Minnesota, which continues to suffer from high unemployment rates.

• The project will provide increased property tax revenue across Minnesota's northern counties and townships. This project is projected to provide an additional $2 million in new annual property tax revenue for the affected local governments units within the district we represent.

• Replacing aging Enbridge Line #3 will reduce the need to transport crude oil by rail, which is several orders of magnitude more accident prone than transporting crude oil by pipeline.

• This effort is a gross waste of Minnesota taxpayer dollars at a time when the state faces a huge deficit due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

We respectfully request that our concerns be addressed during the joint committee hearing on Commissioner Kelley's job performance. Completion of this project is long overdue and has been unnecessarily delayed by Commissioner Kelley's arbitrary actions with respect to continuing to contest the PUC's well-reasoned decision. Thank you for consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

D~~mrict JOB ~~

Carrie Ruud, Senate District 10

District Office: (218) 927-2495 Email: rep.dale.lueck@house.mn Mailing Address (June- Dec.): 37489 295the Street, Aitkin, MN 56431 St Paul Office: (651) 296-2365 Mailing Address (Jan-May): 311 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul MN 55155-1298

NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE

Clean Energy Economy MN

__ ______________________________________________________________________________________________

CleanEnergyEconomyMN.org August 21, 2020 Minnesota Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee 95 University Avenue W., Room 1100 Saint Paul, MN 55155 Minnesota Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee 95 University Avenue W., Room 1150 Saint Paul, MN 55155 Re: Confirmation of Steve Kelley as the Commissioner of Commerce Dear Chairs Dahms and Osmek, Vice Chairs Housley and Mathews, Ranking Minority Members Sparks and Simonson, and Committee Members, Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) writes today in support of confirming Steve Kelley as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC). The important work conducted by Commissioner Kelley and the DOC directly impacts Minnesota industries and the lives and livelihoods of our state’s citizens on a daily basis. Under the leadership of Commissioner Kelley, the DOC has strived to ensure the prosperity and resiliency of Minnesota’s businesses and consumers. In particular, in matters involving statewide energy policies and programs, CEEM has consistently found Commissioner Kelley to have worked with integrity, objectivity, and a collaborative spirit as he and the DOC have engaged with stakeholders to evaluate and solve the myriad of complex issues facing our energy industry. As a non-partisan, industry-led, nonprofit organization, CEEM is dedicated to growing and strengthening Minnesota’s clean energy business ecosystem. Our membership is comprised of more than 40 energy efficiency and clean energy companies ranging from start-up businesses to Fortune 100 and 500 corporations which employ thousands of Minnesotans across the state. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, over 10,000 good-paying Minnesota clean energy jobs have been lost1 (a 15.5% decline compared to pre-COVID job levels). Addressing the acute economic and business impacts that COVID-19 has inflicted on our industry and workforce is critical. Our sector depends on steady leadership and keen decision-making from the Legislature and appointed leaders to provide market stability, spur investment, and put people back to work. Commissioner Kelley’s knowledge, skills, and leadership experience spanning the private, public, and academic sector make him uniquely qualified for the responsibilities and demands required of the Commissioner of Commerce. CEEM supports the confirmation of Commissioner Kelley and looks forward to continuing to work with him, the DOC, and the Legislature to spark clean energy investments and job growth that will help drive Minnesota’s economic recovery. Sincerely,

Gregg Mast Benjamin Stafford Executive Director Director, Policy and Public Affairs

1 https://e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Clean-Energy-Jobs-July-COVID-19-Memo-Final.pdf

Lower Sioux Indian Community

in the State of Minnesota P.O. Box 308 ● 39527 Reservation Highway 1

Morton, MN 56270

Cansayapi Otunwe

August 20, 2020 Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Attn: Timothy Bohl, Committee Administrator Sent via electronic mail to timothy.bohl@senate.mn Re: Confirmation Hearing for Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley Dear Mr. Bohl, Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota, a sovereign and federally recognized Indian tribe (“Community”) located in Minnesota’s District 16, writes to support - without reservation - the confirmation of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. Shortly after Commissioner Kelley was appointed as Minnesota’s Commerce Commissioner, he reached out to engage in consultation with the Community. He has demonstrated solid leadership that makes a difference within our Community, local businesses and elsewhere. Commissioner Kelley bridges gaps. Under Commissioner Kelley’s leadership, the Minnesota Department of Commerce (“Department”) brought people together that benefitted businesses and underserved communities in our area. On October 31, 2019, the Department co-hosted a Financial Capability Roundtable, a half-day event that connected local legislative and congressional leaders, several other state and county agencies to network with tribal leaders, staff and members. This event afforded local businesses and leaders to share resources that pertained to financial education, home ownership, business and personal lending and government oversight. Commissioner Kelley is a leader who listens and follows through. In 2019, the Department invited the Community to their eighth Annual Financial Capability Roundtable. It was at this time I asked for a Roundtable to be held in greater Minnesota, which they agreed to. As a result, the Department held a Roundtable in Redwood County at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel (wholly owned by the Community and Redwood County’s largest employer). This event was well attended and helped surrounding communities and businesses. Commissioner Kelley has also visited the Community on more than one occasion. He hears the Community’s input and has an understanding of the issues that occur within Indian Country. He is proactive to the Community’s input and offers to navigate problems to help find solutions. He brings a wealth of knowledge, and is caring and compassionate.

As a result of his leadership, the Community also has useful information regarding broadband, a service that is much needed within our borders. Broadband is among the Community’s forefront of priorities as it will help improve delivery of health care, education and economic development for our members. Commissioner Kelley and the Department have provided the Community with links to many resources and opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with local businesses and organizations. As Redwood County’s largest employer, the Community is grateful for Commissioner Kelley’s work. Please consider the Community’s support for Steve Kelley to remain as Commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Commerce. Pidamayado,

Robert Larsen President Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota cc: Lower Sioux Community Council

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa1720 Big Lake Rd.Cloquet,MN 55720Phone (218) 879-4593Fax (218) 879-4146

Chairman

Kevin R. Dupuis, Sr.

Secretary/Treasurer

Ferdinand Martineau, Jr.

Dist. I Representative

Wally J. Dupuis

Dist. II Representative

Bruce M. Savage

Dist. Ill Representative

Roger M. Smith, Sr.

Executive Director.

Tribal Programs

Miyah M. Danielson

Executive Director.

Tribal Enterprises

Terry Savage

Reservation Business Committee

August 20, 2020

Tim Bohl, Committee AdministratorCommerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee2124 Minnesota Senate Building95 University Ave. W.Saint Paul, MN 55155

Re- Confirmation of Commissioner Kelley

Dear Mr. Bohl:

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa supports theconfirmation of Steve Kelley as Commerce Commissioner. TheCommissioner and his staff have done an exceptional job onconsultation with Indian tribes and with advancing the interests ofall Minnesotans.

Sincerely,

Kevin R. Dupuis,Chairman

August 20, 2020 Dear Members of the Commerce and Energy and Utilities Committees: The Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN) is writing to express our strong support for Commissioner Kelly and his leadership at the Department of Commerce to enforce mental health parity. The MHLN is a coalition of over 40 organizations representing mental health advocates, providers, and professionals working together to build our mental health system. While it is important for the state and federal government to make investments in mental health care, it is also imperative that private health plans pay for treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Under mental health parity laws, if a private health plan covers mental health and substance use disorder treatment, then the plan must cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment just as it would other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. That means that private health plans cannot charge higher co-payments or deductibles for mental health treatment and cannot place arbitrary caps on therapy visits and other mental health services. Another key parity provision is Non-Quantitative Treatment Limits or NQTLs, where a private health plan cannot have more stringent strategies such as medical necessity standards or step therapy protocols for mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Enforcement for mental health parity is done through the Department of Commerce. Commissioner Kelly has taken this issue very seriously and has worked with the mental health community to enforce this important law. In collaboration with the Department of Commerce, bipartisan legislation authored by Sen. Utke on mental health parity passed in 2019, providing the Department of Commerce with more tools to ensure that private health plans are complying with mental health parity. This was a major step forward for people with mental illnesses and their families – since prior to this time enforcement relied only on people filing complaints. Commissioner Kelly has been a strong supporter of access to mental health care and of ending discrimination. When people cannot access care, there are typically poor outcomes such as dropping out of school, becoming unemployed, ending up homeless or in jail. The MHLN urges the Senate to confirm Commissioner Kelly so that he may continue his outstanding work at the Department of Commerce on behalf of people with mental illnesses and their families. Sincerely Sue Abderholden, MPH Shannah Mulvihill, MA Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota Executive Director, Mental Health Minnesota Co-Chair, Mental Health Legislative Network Co-Chair, Mental Health Legislative Network

Shelley Buck

President

Johnny Johnson Secretary

Lucy Taylor

Vice President

Valentina Mgeni Treasurer

Michael Childs Jr.

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

August 20, 2020 Senator Gary Dahms Chair, Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy 2111 Minnesota Senate Building 95 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 Senator Dave Osmek Chair, Energy Utilities Finance and Policy 2107 Minnesota Senate Building 95 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 Dear Senator Dahms, Senator Osmek, and Committee Members: I write on behalf of the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council in strong support of the confirmation of Steve Kelley as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce (“the Department”). We have had extensive interaction with both Commissioner Kelley and his staff at the Department and, in our experience, Commissioner Kelley has been smart, competent, accessible, and trustworthy. I would like to cite Commissioner Kelley’s work with the Prairie Island Indian Community on the initial stages of implementation of the Prairie Island Indian Community Net Zero Project, for which funding was approved by the legislature during the 2020 legislative session. Commissioner Kelley and his staff in the legal department and the Division of Energy Resources have been competent, professional, and supportive as we have begun the process of becoming a net zero energy community. Of particular importance to our Tribe is the recognition on the part of Commissioner Kelley and the Department of Prairie Island Indian Community’s inherent sovereignty. Tribes in Minnesota have been working for years with the state to develop a meaningful government-to-government relationship on policy issues and program implementation. Since his appointment, Commissioner Kelley and his staff have implemented processes and various engagement strategies to foster a government-to-government relationship.

Commissioner Kelley has demonstrated a commitment to the issues important to the Prairie Island Indian Community and, as important, has engaged with the Tribe on those issues in a manner that recognizes the inherent sovereignty of the Prairie Island Indian Community. For the aforementioned reasons, the Prairie Island Indian Community strongly urges the Minnesota Senate to confirm Steve Kelley as the Commissioner of Commerce. Sincerely, Shelley Buck Tribal Council President 20229036v1

94845984.1

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

RBC Plaza

60 South Sixth Street, Suite 3100

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

United States

Frank Taylor

Partner

Direct line +1 612 321 2214

frank.taylor@nortonrosefulbright.com

Tel +1 612 321 2800

Fax +1 612 321 2288

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August 19, 2020

Via E-Mail timothy.bohl@senate.mn

Senator Gary Dahms Assistant Majority Leader Chair, Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee Minnesota Senate 95 University Avenue West Minnesota Senate Building, Room 2111 St. Paul, MN 55155

Senator David Osmek Minnesota Senate Chair, Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee 95 University Avenue West Minnesota Senate Building, Room 2107 St. Paul, MN 55155

Re: Steve Kelley, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce

Dear Senators Dahms and Osmek:

We write in support of the confirmation of Commissioner Steve Kelley as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. I have practiced in Minnesota for thirty years, and have been fortunate to have been a member of Popham Haik Schnobrich & Kaufman and Briggs and Morgan, P.A. I now am a member of the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, US LLP. I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy a national and local practice in financial services. I have appeared on behalf of our clients many times before state and federal regulators and self-regulatory bodies. I have known Commissioner Kelley for nearly twenty-five years. I have worked with him, litigated against his clients, represented clients before the Department, and appeared before him when he served as an arbitrator in a very significant arbitration that was tried to award. Commissioner Kelley will well serve the State of Minnesota, its citizens, and the industries that the Department regulates. Commissioner Kelley is impartial, fair-minded, honest, hard-working, and is very adept at balancing competing

Senator Gary Dahms Senator David Osmek August 19, 2020 Page 2

94845984.1

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interests to reach equitable results. He will work well with Commissioners from

the other states, which is critical in those industries, such as insurance, where each state regulates the companies domiciled in that state, making coordination between the states essential. Without an adept hand such as Commissioner Kelley’s, regulation can make it very difficult to conduct business. Commissioner Kelley will balance the competing interests to achieve the best possible result for all constituents. We heartily endorse Commissioner Kelley’s confirmation. Please reach out if you have questions.

Respectfully yours, /s/ Frank Taylor Frank Taylor

FAT/djb

August 20, 2020

Dear Chair Dahms and Chair Osmek,

It is our honor to share this letter of support in anticipation of Commissioner Kelley’s confirmation hearing on Friday, August 21, 2020.

As a member of the Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition, Heart of America has had the privilege of interacting with Commissioner Kelley’s agency during our collaborative meetings as we come together to create a stronger, more equitable, and more just community.

The Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition began when four community-serving nonprofits supporting the Twin Cities (HandsOn Twin Cities, Heart of America, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, and Tree Trust) came together to support rebuilding efforts. The partnership has now expanded to include several community, economic, nonprofit, association, and city organizations. We recognize that the work to heal and rebuild areas impacted by civil unrest is complicated and requires a cross-sector, multifaceted approach. As we focus on building better than before, in a way that recognizes Minnesota’s long history of racial injustice in property ownership, lending, and individual opportunity, agencies such as Commerce, are critical to our efforts. We appreciate the time and attention being given by Commissioner Kelley’s team to the work of our Coalition, the network and connections they have provided including connections to BIPOC communities and leaders. We look forward to all that will come as we work together to truly impact the region. Sincerely, Jill Hardy Heath President and CEO, Heart of America jheath@heartofamerica.org Cell: (651) 373-2932

The Heart of America Foundation (HOA) is a national 501c3 that works with key partners in under-resourced communities to renovate educational and community spaces and provides a spectrum of resources to ensure all students have access to learning technologies, grade-level books, and basic school supplies. Through public/private partnerships with both large and small corporations, as well as

government entities, the organization has infused millions of resources into high needs communities and has supported more than 2,000 school and community sites. In the Twin Cities, HOA has been active for over 15 years conducting over 30 school and community center

makeovers. In addition to our work on the Coalition, we are also transforming four sites impacted after the civil unrest.

Mr. Bohl I would like to thank Steve Kelley for approving the re-filing of the Line 3 appeal. Commissioner Kelley is following the legal process to protect Minnesota's water from future pipe leakage into Native American rice beds. This unnecessary line is a risk to our children's inheritance of clean water. Again, thanks to Steve Kelley for doing a great job to protect Minnesota. Melia Derrick Brooklyn Park MN

As a lifelong Minnesotan deeply concerned for the climate crisis in our state, I would like to

express my support for Steve Kelley in his current position of Commissioner of the Department

of Commerce. Commissioner Kelley has been an incredibly effective advocate, ensuring that the

interests of wealthy corporations like Enbridge aren't put ahead of the health, safety, economic

interests, and collective feature of the people of the state of Minnesota. The Department of

Commerce should not be a rubber stamp for corporations to do whatever they wish, but a

critically-minded body that looks out for what is economically best long-term for the state's

ordinary people. Commissioner Kelley has done an admirable job of standing up for the people

of Minnesota, and he needs to be kept as commissioner to continue to do so.

Mari Hirabayashi

St. Paul, MN

I write on behalf of my organization, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, and hundreds of faith leaders across Minnesota. We support Commissioner Kelley's action on the Line 3 appeal and appreciate the Department of Commerce's long time analysis that the "demand" for oil should be the correct indicator of "need" in the Line 3 case. As the demand for renewables increases, Kelly has taken a special interest in supporting rural communities like Morris MN through the transition. Kelly is committed to working to find jobs for workers in Northern Minnesota and has encouraged our faith communities to pursue conversations related to economic opportunity and job creation in greater Minnesota. I trust that Commissioner Kelley's measured and thoughtful approach to fulfilling his role as a protector of commerce in the state of Minnesota will be rewarded, and that his efforts to continue a long-standing legal appeal will not be weaponized for political ends. Sincerely, Julia Nerbonne

Dear Mr. Bohl, As a resident of Minnesota, I support Steve Kelly as Department of Commerce Commissioner. Mr. Kelly is far sighted in developing new and resourceful business opportunities in Minnesota while protecting our most valuable natural resources. I believe he has the best interests of all of Minnesota in mind as we work toward a new normal. Respectfully, Douglas Heuer Burnsville, MN

Dear Mr Bohl, My name is Judy Gregg and I live in Excelsior, MN. I am writing today because I want to offer my support for retaining Commissioner Steve Kelly as the Commissioner of Commerce. As a citizen of this state, it is important to me that we have a commissioner with high integrity who will protect the rights of consumers like me. I believe that Commissioner Kelly is such a person. Please confirm him as Commissioner of Commence. Thank you, Judy Gregg Excelsior, MN

Dear Tim Bohl, My name is Khesed Bein-Evans and I live in New Brighton, Minnesota. I'm emailing to compliment the Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelly on his professional and faithful service of Minnesota. With Steve Kelly as DoC Commissioner, I feel secure that the MN DoC will act with integrity. Commissioner Kelly has shown himself to be mindful of the needs of all Minnesotans and honorable in his actions. Thank you, Khesed Bein-Evans New Brighton, Minnesota

Dear Committee Administrator Tim Bohl, I write as a citizen of Minnesota to state that Steve Kelley is an excellent commissioner who is doing a good job and deserves to keep his position. I think he understands the interests that all Minnesotans share to clean air, clean water, safe communities, and a thriving economy. He also has the courage to protect and advocate for these fundamental needs. Please confirm Steve Kelley as Commissioner of Commerce. Thank you! Sincerely, Freeman Wicklund

Honorable Gary Dahms Chair, Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Honorable David Osmek Chair, Senate Committee on Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Re: Confirmation of Steve Kelley as Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Commerce Dear Senators Dahms and Osmek, I write to urge your committees to recommend the confirmation of Steve Kelley as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. I have known Steve since he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and my special election in 1993. We served neighboring House districts in the Senate district that was then served by Senator Ted Mondale. Ted, Steve and I began holding bipartisan town halls to meet with the residents of our districts. In those town halls, we were able to focus on our shared interest in improving the lives of our constituents rather than on the policy issues that divided

us. When Steve was elected to the Senate in 1996, we continued the bipartisan town halls with his successor, Rep. Betty Folliard. Steve and I also worked together on bills that benefited our districts. He built a reputation for working on issues in a bipartisan, common sense way that I saw in our

own work together. I observed that Steve had a strong working relationship with the Twin West Chamber of

Commerce and its member businesses, though they certainly didn’t always agree on issues. After leaving public service, I have worked in the financial services industry and serve as a board member of Citizens Independent Bank, and board member of several nonprofits.

Based on my experience of 12 years of serving in the legislature including being the Chair of the Government Operations, Elections, Gaming and Veterans Affairs Committee when the Republicans won control of the MN House, I feel that Steve is very well-qualified to be the Commissioner of Commerce! He is committed to public service and the good of Minnesotans generally. I hope the full Senate votes in favor of his confirmation. Sincerely yours, Jim Rhodes Former Representative, Minnesota House of Representatives

Mr. Bohl, Please consider my plea to the Senators of Minnesota to CONFIRM the appointment of Steve Kelley as Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner. Steve has done a fine job representing Minnesota with a humanity that cares for ALL our citizens. Commerce is a huge department, covering so many critical concerns for Minnesota. Whether it's energy access, reliable telecommunications, maintaining licensing, or just making sure we get all the gas we think we paid for, the DOC is on the job. And when Minnesotans find troubles, the DOC can handle the fraud investigation. They are our defenders and Steve Kelley has managed the department to bring good for all in his tenure thus far. I had the chance to meet Steve at the Environmental Congress in Mankato in December. I found his presentation to be informative, factual, and encouraging. I was impressed with the solutions presented and it was clear that Steve listens to the people as he considers the responsibility his Department carries for our citizenry. The Department is making strides for Minnesota. He also cares about the voice of our Tribal governments in Minnesota, something encouraging to see as we work together as One Minnesota. While we watch governments around the world collapse, we do well to find the good in each other and make decisions without politicizing. Could we all do better in our jobs? Yes! Is Steve Kelley doing a good job for Minnesotans? Indeed, he is. We are facing a world where we will need to work together for solutions. Things are getting rockier by the day. Rather than continuing to argue about differences that prevent us from finding solutions we can all support, I'm hopeful for continued conversation with this Commissioner. Leadership breaks during the pandemic only hurt the citizenry. It appears that this use of confirmation hearings is a hostage-taking to thwart Walz' attempt at protecting citizens with social distancing and mask wearing, critical acts in a time of pandemic. We've lost almost 2000 Minnesotans to this virus. We cannot afford to play political games when lives are at stake. People may forget if your policy costs them a bit more in taxes or means they miss baseball. But losing a loved one sticks with a soul. Minnesota cannot afford a politicized government divided over science. I am hopeful that cooler heads prevail in deciding the fate of a position as important as the leadership for our Department of Commerce. Thank you for your consideration. Jami Gaither Alida, MN

Dear: Senator Gary H. Dahms

Sen.gary.dahms@state.mn

We, the undersigned, represent a diverse group of leaders in the Somali community. We write today with one voice

to express our full support for Steve Kelley, Steve Kelley was appointed Commissioner of the Minnesota

Department of Commerce by Governor Tim Walz on January 7, 2019. Commissioner Kelley has been excellent in

his role as Commissioner. Steve Kelley has our support because we have known him for many years. He has built

bridges and served within the Somali community from more than a decade. We have found him to be a highly

trustworthy, talented, and capable person.

Steve Kelley was most recently a Senior Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of MN.

Before joining the Humphrey School in 2007, he served in the MN Senate for 10 years and the House of

Representatives for 4 years. During his legislative service, he chaired the Senate Education Committee and served

on committees dealing with energy and telecommunications regulation in both the House and Senate. He was one of

the Legislature's leading experts on telecommunications policy, including issues related to broadband service.

Kelley has taught courses in education law and policy, science, technology and environmental policy, and global

venture design. He has worked on issues relating to energy and environmental policy, design thinking and

innovation, STEM education and public engagement with science. One of his projects at the University of MN was

assisting with the bipartisan Renewable Energy Policy Exchange sponsored by the German federal government

through which the University introduces MN policymakers to Germany's energy policy and brings German experts

to MN to share policy ideas.

Before his election to the Legislature, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Medica (formerly Physicians

Health Plan) and a public member of the MN Board of Medical Practice. Before and during his legislative service,

Kelley practiced commercial litigation in MN. He represented both plaintiffs and defendants in complex cases

involving securities fraud, accounting malpractice and other financial transactions.

The Somali community is thrilled with the direction that our state is going because of the leadership of our State

senators and Governor and Lt Governor. We believe that as you confirming the cabinet members, including

someone like Steve Kelly, would be a very wise decision. To have someone with his skills serving our great State of

Minnesota is a wonderful opportunity. We are therefore hopeful that the State Senators agree with us that Steve

Kelly is the best for the commissioner and in the years ahead.

We know that the Minnesota Department of Commerce is responsible for regulating a number of critical businesses

that impact the public health and welfare. These include state-licensed or regulated industries such as insurance, real

estate, property appraisals, debt collection agencies, financial institutions, commodity weights and measures, and

telecommunications. The Somali community further understands the mission of Minnesota Department of

Commerce to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair

marketplace, strengthen the state's economic future; and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and

businesses. We therefore think it is important to have someone in the Commissioner position confirmed that has

experience in all these areas.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely:

Somali Community leaders

Busad Ali Kheyre

Social Worker, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis

Asha Hibad

Director, Somali Senior Center, Minneapolis

Mohamed Ahmed Salad

Former Chair, Confederation of Somali Community

Osman Mohamed Ali

Founder and Executive Director Somali Museum, Minneapolis

Mohammed Amin Kahin

Community Activist and Executive Director of Milestones Community Development

Hassan Jamici

Imaam and Executive Director of Islamic Dawah Center (Minnesota Dawah Institute), St. Paul

Aisha Diriya

CEO-Bright Start Child Care Center, St. Paul

Mohamed Ahmed

Executive Director of African Immigrants Service

Mohamed Farah

Executive Director of Ka Joog