Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Three weeks into the Republican majority, and the momentum at the Capitol is incredible! The energy is high, the work is nonstop, and we’re already making meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to you. From productive committee hearings to great conversations with colleagues and community leaders, every day is filled with opportunities to move Minnesota forward.
There’s so much to be excited about, and I can’t wait to share the latest updates with you—let’s dive in!
 Hey friends,
I want to personally invite you to a conversation about Protecting Prosperity in 2025—because let’s be honest, your hard-earned dollars deserve better than reckless government spending! Right now, inflation is hitting Minnesota families hard, costing an extra $1,234 per month since 2021. We need real solutions, and that’s exactly what I’m working on at the Capitol.
So, let’s chat! Join me for an evening of good food, great conversation, and real talk about the future of our state. I’ll be sharing a legislative update, answering your questions, and most importantly—hearing from you!
Date & Time:
March 14, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Check-in starts at 5:00 PM)
Location:
River House Kitchen + Drinks
122 Main St S, Hutchinson, MN 55350
What’s on the Agenda?
Legislative Update – I’ll break down what’s happening at the Capitol and how we’re fighting to protect your dollars.
Q&A Session – Ask me anything! This is your chance to share concerns and ideas.
Tacos – Because everything is better with tacos.
I’d love to see you there—bring your questions, bring your appetite, and let’s make a difference together!
RSVP HERE and let’s talk!
Meeting with the incredible FFA members from the Dassel-Cokato area during National FFA Week was such a privilege! Seeing these students proudly wearing their blue corduroy jackets reminded me how bright the future of agriculture truly is. Their dedication to leadership, farming, and agribusiness is inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work they’re putting in to serve their communities and build valuable skills for the future.
A special shoutout to the Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA members, who represented Minnesota on the national stage last year—what an amazing accomplishment! FFA plays a crucial role in shaping responsible, service-driven young leaders, and I’m honored to support these outstanding students. Keep up the great work!
On Monday, Rep. Kristin Robbins’ House File 14 hit the floor for a big debate and vote, and it’s all about making sure your hard-earned tax dollars are being spent wisely.
House File 14 proposes a temporary pause on any new spending related to light rail projects in Minnesota—until the Southwest Light Rail project is finally completed. Here’s the scoop:
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It’s not about being anti-transit, it’s about being pro-accountability: This bill isn’t trying to block progress. It’s about making sure we’re spending taxpayer money responsibly.
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Light rail projects keep going over budget and missing deadlines: Take the Southwest Light Rail—it was supposed to cost $1.3B back in 2011, but now we’re looking at a price tag of $2.9B, and it won’t be done until at least 2027 (that’s nearly a decade later than originally planned!).
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Bipartisan concerns: Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are getting concerned about the management of these projects—especially Southwest Light Rail.
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The Metropolitan Council’s track record: They keep asking for more money, even though they’ve missed deadlines and mismanaged the projects.
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Minnesotans are feeling the squeeze: With everything from groceries to fuel costing more, taxpayers are being asked to keep footing the bill for projects that aren’t getting done on time or on budget.
House File 14 is all about hitting the pause button to reassess how we move forward with light rail projects—while making sure we’re holding everyone accountable. This isn’t about politics—it’s about being responsible with taxpayer dollars and making sure we’re spending wisely.
Voting for House File 14 means voting for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a smarter way forward for Minnesota. Let’s make sure we’re investing in the right projects that benefit everyone!
 What a night! I had an absolute blast at the Sanneh Foundation’s Gala4Goals—an event packed with energy, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
Beyond the fun, this event was about something bigger: supporting the Sanneh Foundation’s incredible work—providing mentorship, education, and resources to kids who need it most. Every dollar raised is making a real difference in the lives of young people across Minnesota.
Huge thanks to the Sanneh Foundation for putting together such an unforgettable night, and to everyone who showed up, donated, and made it all possible. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
  
 This week, I had the honor of welcoming Karin Miller to the Capitol as she testified in support of House File 22, the Parents’ Bill of Rights. As a wife, mother of six, teacher, and passionate advocate, Karin understands firsthand how critical it is for parents to have a say in their children’s education, health care, and upbringing. Her testimony was not only powerful—it was a reminder of why this bill matters so much.
HF 22 is about ensuring that parents remain at the center of decisions affecting their kids. Too often, we hear from families who feel left in the dark when it comes to policies that directly impact their children. This bill puts into law what should already be common sense: parents know their children best, and their voices should never be ignored or dismissed.
Karin’s heartfelt words and unwavering dedication to Minnesota families were truly inspiring. It was a privilege to stand alongside her in this fight, and I’m incredibly grateful for her leadership and advocacy. To all the parents out there—know that we hear you, we stand with you, and we will keep fighting for you.
 I couldn’t be more excited to stand alongside Representative Peggy Scott (R-Andover) as she leads the charge on House File 12—because protecting fairness in women’s sports isn’t just good policy, it’s common sense. As a woman, this issue is deeply personal to me. Girls and women deserve to compete on a level playing field, and I’m proud to support legislation that ensures our hard-earned opportunities aren’t taken away.
What makes this moment even more powerful? National advocates like Riley Gaines are stepping up and making their voices heard. Riley’s unwavering dedication to defending women’s sports is truly inspiring, and having her at the Capitol this Monday is a huge moment for Minnesota. It’s not every day that we get to rally with a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer who knows firsthand what’s at stake.
This fight is bigger than just one bill—it’s about standing up for truth, fairness, and the future of female athletics. I’m proud to be part of this movement, and I encourage everyone who cares about protecting opportunities for women and girls to get involved. Let’s show up, speak out, and make sure our daughters, sisters, and future generations have the chance to compete and succeed! If you’re planning to come to the Capitol, please reach out—I’d love to meet up with you!
As always, I’m here to listen and serve you. Please feel free to reach out to my office at 651-296-4228, by email at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook for more frequent updates!
Thank you for the honor of representing District 17A. Together, we will keep working toward making Minnesota a better place to live for all.
Sincerely,
Representative Dawn Gillman
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A
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