Minn. Lawmakers Embrace Volunteer Initiative

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota lawmakers are trying to encourage a spirit of volunteerism at a Capitol press conference and through their own example.

A bipartisan group of House members have signed up to volunteer at St. Paul's Dorothy Day Center on Wednesday night. Earlier in the day, members of the group are holding a news conference with Tim Marx, CEO of Catholic Charities in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The effort is spearheaded by Democratic Rep. John Ward of Brainerd and Republican Rep. Jenifer Loon of Eden Prairie. They intend to make the volunteer opportunities for legislators a monthly occasion during the 2014 legislative session.

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