Legislative Update
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s been another busy week at the House. With just over a week left in the session, there’s still a lot of work to get done. I remain hopeful we’ll meet the May 19 adjournment deadline, though the Democrats’ 23-day boycott at the start of session cost us valuable time and has added pressure in these final days. Still, we’re pressing forward and working hard to wrap up the loose ends. I’ll keep you updated as we close in on the finish line.
Omnibus Bills
As you likely know, we’re now focused on passing the major omnibus budget and policy bills. Each one aligns with a specific budget area and committee, and together they form the state’s overall budget. I sincerely appreciate the hard work of our committee co-chairs. That said, under current bipartisan leadership, these bills fall short of addressing Minnesota’s serious fiscal challenges. With a projected $6 billion deficit, we cannot avoid tough choices. Serious cuts and responsible budgeting are the only way forward.
One of the biggest sticking points in negotiations is Governor Walz’s push to offload the budget burden onto counties. This approach shifts costs onto local governments, hurting schools, families, and taxpayers statewide. On top of that, last session’s unfunded mandates are still causing pain—retirees, working families, and everyday Minnesotans are feeling the pressure.
While the bills we’ve passed aren't perfect, they’re a clear improvement over what the Governor proposed. The strong bipartisan support they received in the House gives me hope that we can fix the remaining cost issues in conference committee and send better legislation to the Governor’s desk. I’ll continue to keep you informed as this process moves forward.
Funding in the Bonding Committee
One of the major bills still under negotiation—as is typical at this stage in the session—is the bonding bill. Because it has not yet been finalized, I’m continuing to fight for critical investments that directly support our community. Among these priorities is securing funding for the Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and the Blind. These schools serve students from birth to age 22, offering the kind of specialized education, resources, and care that traditional schools simply cannot provide. They are a lifeline for families across the state, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to a meaningful and empowering education.
It’s essential that we recognize and support institutions like this that quietly do life-changing work every day. I’ll keep pushing to make sure they aren’t overlooked in the final negotiations.
Morristown Elementary School
I had a great visit with a group of students from our own Morristown Elementary School. I always loving seeing students at the Capitol and chatting with them about the work that we do and the responsibilities of the job. Thank you, kiddos and teachers, for coming to visit!
 A photo from the front of the chamber, with students looking down from the balcony.
Ice Cream Day
We had the pleasure of welcoming Minnesota Milk to the Capitol for Ice Cream Day. I got the chance to talk to several dairy farmers about their products, all while enjoying a cold scoop of handmade ice cream. It was delicious!
 MN Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus
I also had a great time meeting with the MN Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. They do a lot of great work educating people about tourism opportunities across the state, which contribute a lot to our state economy. We all know and love what Minnesota has to offer, from the 10,000 lakes to many cities, and this association promotes our tourist industry. Thank you to the organization for all that you do across the state!
Taking Mom out on the Lake this Weekend?
Speaking of tourism, this weekend is our fishing opener!! I wish you all the best if you are heading out on the water. But don't forget...Mother's Day is this Sunday! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, I look forward to spending time with my wife and family this weekend. To round out this week of celebration, it is also small business week, teacher appreciation week, and nurses appreciation week. To all small business owners, teachers, and nurses, thank you very much for all you do to support and care for our communities.
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