Preceded by Shannon Savick Occupation LegislatorTeacher | Religion Christian Name Peggy Bennett | |
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Born July 3, 1958 (age 65)
White Bear Lake, Minnesota ( 1958-07-03 ) Alma mater Crown College (B.A.)
St. Cloud State University (M.A.) Education St. Cloud State University Residence Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States Political party Republican Party of Minnesota Profiles | ||
Interview with newly elected rep peggy bennett r albert lea
Peggy Bennett (born July 3, 1958) is a Minnesota public servant and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota (R), she represents District 27A in Southern Minnesota, which includes: 95% of Freeborn County, 4 eastern townships in Faribault County, 1 township in the NW corner of Mower County, 2 townships in SW Dodge County, and the City of Blooming Prairie in Steele County.
Contents
- Interview with newly elected rep peggy bennett r albert lea
- Early life education and career
- Elections
- Tenure
- Committee assignments
- Personal life
- References
Early life, education, and career
Bennett grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She graduated from Mound Westonka High School in Mound, Minnesota. She attended Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, graduating in 1980 with a B.A. in Education. She later attended St. Cloud State University, graduating in 1981 with a M.A. in Special Education Bennett got her first teaching job in special education in Albert Lea in 1981. She taught her third year in Wells following a round of cuts, then came back to Albert Lea to teach in a K-1 transition room for special ed. and regular ed. students for seven years before becoming a first-grade teacher. In 2011, Bennett was named the Albert Lea Area Teacher of the Year. Bennett taught for 33 years before being elected to the Minnesota Legislature.
Elections
Bennett announced her intention to run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in December 2013 and challenge incumbent Rep. Shannon Savick. During the campaign Bennett prioritized education, agriculture, and the economy. Her campaign slogan was "People Before Politics". Bennett won, defeating incumbent Shannon Savick 53% to 39% by 2,016 votes.
Tenure
Bennett was sworn in on January 6, 2015.
Committee assignments
For the 2015-2016 Session, Bennett is Vice-Chair of the Education Innovation Policy Committee. She is also serving on the Education Finance and Agriculture Finance Committees.
Personal life
Bennett is single, but considers her more than 750 students her "kids." She resides in Albert Lea, Minnesota and is active in the community and her church. She served as a volunteer working with struggling, disadvantaged, and troubled youth for many years. She is a member of the NRA and a gun owner. She is also active in the International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club. She has a dog, Colter, who helped teach her 1st Grade students how to read. Colter was featured on Fox & Friends in June 2014. Besides Colter, Bennett has 2 cats, Kelchi and Mingo.