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Gander




*March 14, 2025*






Legislative Update

Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you’re all doing well and that you’ve had a chance to enjoy this (slowly) warming weather! Things are heating up at the Capitol, and I’ve got some big updates.

First up—Minnesota’s $6 billion deficit [ [link removed] ]. Yep, you read that right. Just a couple of years ago, we were swimming in record-setting surpluses, and now? We’re staring down one of the largest deficits in Minnesota state history. That means we’ve got some tough choices ahead. My focus? Cutting waste, protecting essential services, and making sure your tax dollars are spent wisely.

Then, we had a special election in Roseville, and guess what? The House is now a 67-67 tie. So, what does that mean? Well, committees are evenly split (except for the Fraud and Oversight Committee), and committee chairs will swap control every other day. Picture a legislative version of musical chairs—except with higher stakes and way less music. This setup "could" lead to real bipartisan problem-solving… or just a lot of political tug-of-war. Either way, House Republicans are ready to fight for fiscal responsibility and common-sense solutions for all Minnesotans.

Stay tuned—it’s about to get interesting!

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*Building a Better Future—One Bonding Bill at a Time!*
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Folks, I’m bringing home the bacon—or at least the funding—to help improve the infrastructure, water systems, and agriculture in our district! Here’s a quick look at some key bonding bills I’m working on:


* *House File 1670 [ [link removed] ]* – Red Lake Falls Infrastructure Rehabilitation
* $5.9 million to modernize aging infrastructure in Red Lake Falls.
* Funding to upgrade and replace deteriorating sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems, improving drainage and reducing the risk of flooding.
* Repair and reconstruction of city streets, including fixing sidewalks, curbs, and gutters to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and businesses.

* *House File 1438 [ [link removed] ]* – West Central Regional Water System
* $9.7 million to develop a regional water system serving Norman, Clay, and Polk Counties.
* Funds will go toward designing and building a major trunk transmission pipeline and associated infrastructure to transport clean, reliable potable water to multiple communities.
* This project is critical for ensuring long-term water security, supporting both residential needs and agricultural operations, which are the backbone of our local economy.

* *House File 1497 [ [link removed] ]* – Helping the Northern Crops Institute Grow
* $60,000 per year (2026 & 2027) for the Northern Crops Institute to invest in state-of-the-art equipment for agricultural research and education.
* This funding will enhance research capabilities that support crop innovation, farm sustainability, and global market competitiveness for Minnesota’s farmers.

And let’s not forget the rockstar testifier in the photo above—Amy Kerin, who spoke on behalf of the University of Minnesota for *House File 1668 [ [link removed] ]*—Your advocacy is greatly appreciated!

These bonding bills are about strengthening our communities, boosting our local economy, and making sure we have the infrastructure we need to grow. Let’s get it done!

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Batter Up for Agriculture!
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Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the AgriGrowth Event at CHS Field, where the only thing stronger than Minnesota’s agriculture industry was my craving for a ballpark hotdog. It was a fantastic evening celebrating the backbone of our state—our hardworking farmers, ag leaders, and industry innovators who keep our economy thriving and our tables full.

A huge thank you to the incredible organizers for putting together such a great event and to my Ag-focused colleagues for their dedication to supporting this essential industry. Whether it’s in the fields or at the Capitol, we’re all on the same team when it comes to strengthening Minnesota agriculture. Looking forward to continuing this important work!

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Fighting Alzheimer’s, One Step at a Time
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Had an incredible meeting with Julie Praska-Moser from the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota this week! We talked about the critical work being done to support families, advance research, and raise awareness for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

This is an issue that touches so many lives, and it’s inspiring to see the dedication of advocates like Julie who are making a real difference. Grateful for the conversation and looking forward to working together to ensure Minnesota remains a leader in Alzheimer’s care and support!

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Talking Water with the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District
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Had a great conversation with Bill Petersen and Morteza Maher from the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District this week! We covered everything from flood management to conservation efforts—because in Minnesota, we know that water isn’t just water; it’s a way of life.

It’s always refreshing (pun intended) to hear directly from those working to protect our natural resources. Big thanks to Bill and Morteza for their dedication to keeping our waterways clean, efficient, and well-managed. Looking forward to working together to keep Minnesota’s water flowing in the right direction! 

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Sunset, Scaffolding, and a “Scenic” Workspace





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Behold—the future House Office Building, set to open in 2027 (assuming construction stays on schedule... so, fingers crossed).



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In the meantime, my “office” setup is a little more "on-the-go", but hey—no complaints! Who needs walls when you’ve got the great halls of the Capitol and a strong Wi-Fi connection?

For now, I’ll keep working wherever there’s a chair (or at least a halfway decent coffee spot). But when that shiny new building is finally ready, I might just throw a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration—stay tuned!






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Please Reach Out!

Thank you so much for subscribing to my newsletter. It’s truly an honor to represent you and our wonderful community here in St. Paul. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns—your voice makes a difference.

My door is always open, whether you’d like to meet in person or simply reach out to chat. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or give me a call at 651-296-5091. Just a quick note: replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox, so be sure to use the contact info above.

You can also now follow my official representative page on Facebook here [ [link removed] ] for updates and more!

Looking forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together for our community!

Sincerely,

Representative Steve Gander

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B"











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/RepSteveGander





2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 5515







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