Legislative Update
Friends,
March has been a month of significant developments. Following the special election, both Republicans and Democrats are adhering to the organizing agreement made earlier this year. Republicans are continuing their efforts to combat fraud and hold government accountable. I’ve authored a bill aimed at protecting the personal information of law enforcement officers and their families, and I’m also working on several bills to secure funding for our communities.
House Balance
Following the special election in Roseville, the Minnesota House is now evenly divided, with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats. Since 68 votes are needed to pass a bill, future legislation will require bipartisan support. While this presents challenges, it also means that for any legislation to be passed, it must be reasonable and balanced.
Personal Information Protection for Peace Officers & Their Families
This month, I presented House File 1567, a bill to protect the personal data of peace officers, correctional officers, and their families. Last biennium, we passed a similar bill for judicial officers, and this bill extends those protections to officers who are increasingly vulnerable to threats like doxing; where personal information such as home addresses and family details are exposed online.
I’ve experienced firsthand the danger of having my personal information leaked, and it’s not just a threat to me, but to my family as well. It creates emotional and psychological harm that extends beyond the officer, affecting their loved ones. This bill is a necessary step to safeguard those who serve and protect our communities, ensuring they can focus on their work without the fear of compromised safety. By protecting officers' personal data, we also protect public safety and strengthen trust in law enforcement. You can see me present this bill here.
Developments in the Fight Against Fraud
On Monday this week, House Republicans from the Committee on Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight unveiled a new tool to provide a safe and confidential way for Minnesotans to report fraud, waste, and abuse in state run programs. For more information or to share your insights, please visit MNFraud.com.
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Supporting Our Communities
I am working on two important bills to support communities in our district. The first bill (HF 1121) allows Lake of the Woods County to issue temporary liquor licenses for events at the Baudette Arena Association. This legislation gives the county greater flexibility to host local events, generate revenue, and support organizations like the Baudette Arena. By empowering local control over temporary liquor licenses, we can help stimulate the local economy, enhance community engagement, and provide more opportunities for fundraising, all while ensuring public safety.
The second bill (HF 1528) provides funding for Northern Township in Beltrami County to design, construct, and install a sanitary sewer collection and treatment system on the north and east sides of Lake Bemidji. This project will improve wastewater management and contribute to better environmental health in the region.
Let’s Stay Connected
Your input will be very important to me as I work on your behalf. I encourage you to reach out. You can contact me by email [email protected] and by phone at 651-296-4265. I look forward to hearing from you and I thank you for trusting me to represent you at the Capitol. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for Minnesota.
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