Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hello neighbors, 

Lent began this week with Ash Wednesday.  For my family, this is a time to pause and consider the path forward and how we can better ourselves through our faith tradition. At the Capitol, Lent also marks the beginning of a period of uncertainty. This is the time of the year when the budget forecast comes out and we clearly see Minnesota's financial situation as a state. Right now many economic pressures are stressing both families and the state budget. This year I hope the Lenten season brings some reconciliation in our country, as we must work together to weather this storm.

Monday was a huge day at the Capitol this week. In the morning, we held a rally featuring NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, former Vikings player Jack Brewer, and other speakers in support of the Preserving Girls Sports Act, HF12. We heard inspirational speeches from the presenters about the impact of sports on their life and the importance of providing female athletes fair and safe spaces to compete. On the House floor that afternoon, we debated HF12 and eventually voted on it. The vote split down party lines, so unfortunately it did not pass, but myself and my colleagues are committed to continuing this fight for female athletes across the state.

Riley Gaines speaking to the crowd at the rally on Monday

I was able to introduce a new bill, HF957, to the Education Policy Committee yesterday. This bill provides desperately needed mandate relief to our schools and gives them the flexibility to use eligible funds as they see fit. It is no secret that our schools are struggling under the weight of too many unfunded mandates from last session. This bill is just one way that we can help support them better, by giving schools more choice in how they operate.

I am excited to share a construction update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. They are set to open in the summer of 2026, and from their work this winter they have the foundation set and walls up, moving steadily along towards the opening date. This museum will tell the story of our rich military history and provide an opportunity to highlight the brave men and women that have sacrificed so much for all of our safety and freedom. We are proud to have this museum in district and I look forward to sharing other construction updates as they come!

We continue to work hard here in St. Paul, moving bills through committees and towards the House floor. Next week I anticipate busy floor sessions as we vote on more bills and try to make positive progress for Minnesotans across the state. Shoutout to the Northern Lakes boys hockey team that has been competing in the state tournament this week. Congrats on a great regular season and best of luck now!

Circling back to my mention of Lent, I want to highlight the fact that Lenten season really does bring us together. It's the time of year for Fish Fry Friday's! 

Every Friday from 5-8pm, the Royalton American Legion will be hosting its shrimp and fish fry. Click here for more details.

Next week, check out Kinship's annual Fish Fry Fundraiser on Friday, March 14th at the Little Falls VFW from 4:30-7pm.

I look forward to sharing invitations for fish fry's as we go through this season of Lent together.

BTW: By the way, if you're looking for any customized apparel, Shirts Plus/Adventure North recently opened in Aitkin. Owner Bethanie Gravelle has a passion for the community and is excited to serve the local area. 

Please Contact Me

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments on a state legislative matter, by phone at 651-296-4247 or by email at [email protected]

2313 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155 [email protected] 651.296.4247