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*February 21, 2025*






Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

What an exciting week it's been here at the Capitol! We’re back in action and fully committed to working hard for the people of Minnesota. Committees are up and running, and bills are being heard—though not without some setbacks from the Supreme Court’s ruling on quorum requirements. While some continue to avoid accountability for their role in enabling fraud and raising taxes, Republicans are staying focused on what truly matters to Minnesotans.

We’ve hit the ground running with key hearings focused on cracking down on fraud, lowering costs, and ensuring the safety of our communities. Minnesotans deserve leadership that’s dedicated to their well-being, not political maneuvering. Let’s keep the momentum going and get Minnesota moving forward once again!

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Supporting our Local School Districts!
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This week in Education Finance I testified in support of transforming Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Center within the Department of Education to be the Office of Achievement and Innovation.  The mission of the Office of Achievement and Innovation would be to simply assist school districts and charter schools in researching and implementing practices focused on promoting academic achievement in reading, mathematics, science, social studies and career readiness. Members of the committee questioned whether schools would address student mental health and discipline without the divisive Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Center.  Watch my response HERE [ [link removed] ] as well as an overview of House File 6 Article 2 HERE [ [link removed] ]

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Labor and Workforce Committee
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This week, we had the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) give an update on planning and preparation for the Paid Family Medical Leave which begins on January 1st of 2026.   We want parents to have time to bond with a new child or family members to care for a sick loved one.  There are significant concerns about DEED’s ability to ensure a smooth roll out of the Paid Family Medical Leave Plan and for individuals to understand to financial impact.  Watch my questions to DEED HERE [ [link removed] ].

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Preserving Fairness in Girls' Sports

As someone who is deeply committed to supporting young women’s athletics, I believe every girl deserves a fair and equal opportunity to compete. Sports have always played a significant role in my life, teaching me important lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Most importantly, athletics helped me build confidence and forge lasting friendships. But for any competition to truly matter, it must be fair.

This is why I’m proud to support House File 12 [ [link removed] ], the *Preserving Girls’ Sports Act*, introduced by my colleague, Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover). This important legislation ensures that girls’ sports remain a space where fairness prevails by requiring that only females can participate on female-designated teams at the elementary and secondary school levels.

A recent executive order from the President on February 5th reinforced what many of us already know: only females assigned at birth should be allowed to compete in girls' and women’s sports. Unfortunately, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has hesitated to fully implement this order, citing potential conflicts with state law.

That’s where HF12 comes in. This bill ensures Minnesota law aligns with common sense, protecting the integrity of girls' sports. This isn’t about exclusion—it’s about fairness, safety, and preserving the opportunities that women have fought so hard for over the years. Generations of women have worked tirelessly to break down barriers and secure the right to compete, and we cannot let that hard work be undone.

The differences between male and female athletes are clear, especially when we look at the records in Minnesota high school sports: the boys' long jump record outdistances the girls' by nearly five feet, the 400-meter dash has a seven-second difference, and the shot put record gap exceeds 11 feet. These disparities exist in nearly every sport, highlighting the need for clear, fair policies to protect female athletes.

This isn’t about politics—this is about ensuring that we uphold the integrity of women’s sports and the fairness that Title IX was designed to protect. We have separate divisions for a reason, and that’s to ensure safety, fairness, and opportunity. As a proud father to a daughter, I am personally invested in making sure that their athletic achievements and the achievements of all young women are protected. It is our duty to stand up for fairness, to preserve the opportunities that Title IX secured, and to ensure that future generations of young female athletes can compete on a level playing field.

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Best Part of my Week? YOU!

What a rewarding week it has been, filled with meaningful visits from constituents! I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to stop by, share their insights, and engage in thoughtful discussions. These conversations are the heart of my work at the Capitol, and I value every opportunity to hear directly from those I represent.

Your concerns, ideas, and dedication to our community truly make this job special, and I’m honored to work on your behalf. It’s your passion and involvement that drive us toward positive change. Thank you for your continued advocacy—I look forward to many more productive conversations in the weeks to come.

Let’s keep the momentum going—your input is always welcome!

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Looking Ahead!

As always, I encourage you to reach out—your voice truly matters! Whether it’s a question, a concern, or just an idea you'd like to share, I’m here to listen. Your input helps guide my work at the Capitol, and it’s important to me that you have a direct line to your representative.

Feel free to contact me by email at *[email protected]* or reach me by phone or text at *612-433-3696*. No matter the issue, I’m ready to hear from you and be a resource in any way I can.

Thank you for your continued engagement. Together, we can make Minnesota an even better place for everyone!

Sincerely,

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Representative Ben Bakeberg

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 54B"

     










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329 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
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