This week I attended a flag raising ceremony at St. Cloud Hospital and shared a few words for Memorial Day. I hope that over the long weekend, between all the celebrations, picnics and events, we can all take a moment to remember those who gave everything to ensure that our country remains free.

Legislative Session Ends

The 2023 legislative session ended on Monday, after months of the legislative majority passing overreaching and overspending bills that will make life harder and more expensive for Minnesotans.

After spending the entire $17.5 billion budget surplus, Democrats passed a state budget that raises taxes by nearly $10 billion more, and spent that too. With Minnesota families dealing with inflation, rising gas prices, and increased cost of living, the state government should be finding ways to return the surplus to the people who paid it, and living within its means. Instead, Democrats grew the budget by 40% - the largest budget increase in Minnesota history.

One of the few good things to come out of this session is that Republicans fought and won increased funding for our nursing homes.

After proposing a budget that included less than 1% of its spending going to save our troubled nursing homes, Republicans stepped in to strike a late-session deal securing $300 million for nursing homes. I am hopeful that this funding will put the state's nursing homes on more solid ground and ensure they can care for our seniors the way they deserve.

District Visits

I visited with Dr. Laurie Putnam, the District 742 Superintendent (above), to deliver graduation letters for each of this year's high school graduates. Congratulations to all of our local graduates - I wish you all the best as you take the next step!