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Wayne Johnson 2025 Header




*February 21, 2025*






Legislative Update

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Friends and Neighbors,

As we move forward in the legislative session, my focus remains on fighting for fairness, strengthening our communities, and protecting small businesses from unnecessary burdens. After weeks of delays, the Legislature is finally moving at full speed, and while the pace has picked up, my commitment to thoughtful, common-sense policymaking has not wavered. Every bill we advance must serve the people of Minnesota—whether by protecting community investments, ensuring public safety, or making life more affordable for families and businesses.

This week, I had the opportunity to push forward key legislation that will directly impact our veterans, youth sports programs, school safety, and local infrastructure. These are the kinds of policies that make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans, and I’m proud to support.

One more quick note, my official Representative Facebook Page [ [link removed] ] is live! Consider giving it a follow for some shorter, but more frequent updates on what we are up to here in St. Paul. 

*Protecting Charities*

Charitable gambling plays a vital role in Minnesota, funding veterans' organizations like the VFW and American Legion, as well as local youth sports programs. However, last year, House Democrats snuck a provision into an omnibus bill that restricted the sale of electronic pull tabs by our charities, marking millions of dollars in lost revenue.

That money raised by organizations like VFWs, American Legions, and other veteran service groups provides housing assistance, mental health support, and job training to those who served our country. Additionally, these funds help keep other community staples, like youth sports, accessible and affordable, and provide equipment, field maintenance, and scholarships to young athletes across Minnesota.

Restricting these games was a direct hit to our communities, taking money away from community initiatives that work to make life better. That’s why we introduced HF 733 [ [link removed] ], which roles back these restrictions. Money raised by these organizations goes right back into our community, and I am committed to supporting them as they work to help our veterans and make our community better.

*Fighting for Our Communities, Small Businesses, and School Safety*

Beyond the larger policy fights happening at the Capitol, I’ve been hard at work crafting common-sense legislation to support our Main Street job creators, improve local infrastructure, and keep our kids safe.

One of the most important bills I’ve introduced this session is HF 1293 [ [link removed] ], a bipartisan measure aimed at enhancing school bus safety by installing cameras on buses to catch drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Every day in Minnesota, reckless drivers ignore school bus stop arms, putting children’s lives at risk as they cross the street. Too often, a driver rushing to their destination blows past an extended stop arm, failing to see a child stepping out in front of the bus. One reckless decision could mean the difference between life and death.

Under current law, these violations often go unenforced because there’s no clear evidence to hold offenders accountable. HF 1293 strengthens enforcement by equipping buses with cameras to capture violators in action. This ensures that those who break the law face real consequences, reinforcing the stop sign itself with a system that protects kids and deters dangerous driving. This isn’t about surveillance or government overreach—it’s about making sure every child in Minnesota gets to and from school safely. I will continue working across the aisle to get this bill passed and make our streets safer for Minnesota’s children.

Along with school safety, I’ve introduced HF 1196 [ [link removed] ], which secures funding for Washington County road improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow. These upgrades will make commuting safer and more efficient for residents, ensuring our local infrastructure keeps up with the needs of our growing communities.

I’m also fighting for small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. That’s why I introduced HF 260 [ [link removed] ], a bill that exempts small employers from the Paid Leave Law until January 1, 2028. Small businesses shouldn’t be crushed under the same mandates as large corporations, and this bill gives them time to adjust without undue financial strain.

Each of these bills is focused on real, practical solutions that help the people of Minnesota. Whether it’s protecting children, improving roads, or ensuring small businesses can thrive, I’m committed to passing legislation that makes a real difference for our communities.

Visitors and Photos

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"This week students from the U of M filled the Capitol and House offices. There was so much energy as students visited with Representatives and rallied in the rotunda. I had a chance to take a picture with a student athlete and Paul Bunyan's Axe".

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"I met the Minnesota Broadcasters Association this week. They are one of the many of organizations that visit each day to discuss issues and look to see what is happening this year. MBA includes hundreds of broadcasters that includes TV and radio including KSTP 5 and AM1500. WDGY is a radio station locally also. They had some great ideas on how to help small companies overcome the initial fear of advertising."

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"Had the chance to visit Lake Elmo Elementary and took a tour with Dr. Funk who is the Superintendent of Stillwater Schools. Lake Elmo elementary is over 100 years old and you can see the history in the building. They are using every space available to enrich and teach. We discussed the challenges for schools with the mandates from the state along with growth. Lake Elmo Elementary will be moving into their new building in Summer of 2026 which will double the school's current capacit"y.

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*Committed to Working for You*

From preserving charities to securing funding for local projects and improving community safety, I am committed to delivering real results for our community.

As always, I value your input. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Your voice matters, and I am here to represent you.

Have a great weekend!






Representative Wayne Johnson

House District 41A

 

"Serving Lakeland, Afton, Baytown, Cottage Grove, Denmark, Grant, Lake Elmo, Lakeland Shores, Lake Saint Croix Beach, Saint Mary's Point, and West Lakeland. "

Please Contact Me

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. It's my honor to represent you at our state's capitol, and I always welcome feedback, ideas, or concerns from you and our community. *Please send all replies to *[email protected], or call 651-296-4244, to ensure I get your message. Replies directly to the newsletter do not reach my inbox.











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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4244







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