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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are now in the closing days of the legislative session, and the pace has picked up significantly. We’ve continued working through omnibus bills while key negotiations move toward resolution. With the May 19th deadline fast approaching, every day counts. Given the compressed timeline, we have to work with focus and urgency. I remain optimistic that we can complete the work ahead of us, but that will only happen with a shared commitment to cooperation and discipline from all involved. We owe it to our constituents to finish on time and deliver results that reflect the priorities and needs of our communities. I will continue to keep you updated on our progress as we wind down this session.
The Housing Bill
As I mentioned last week, our Housing budget bill successfully passed off the House floor. It has now moved to a conference committee, where members from both the House and Senate are working to reconcile the differences between the two versions. I’m honored to serve on this conference committee and to be directly involved in shaping the final bill. The House version was built through strong bipartisan collaboration, and I’m optimistic that this spirit of cooperation will continue throughout negotiations with the Senate. The conference committee will produce a final, unified version of the bill. Once that’s complete, it will return to both chambers for a final vote. If it passes the House and Senate, it will move to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. I’m grateful for the hard work and long hours put in by staff and legislators on both sides of the aisle. Crafting policy that addresses Minnesota’s housing needs is no small task, and I look forward to sharing the final details of this bill once it’s ready.
This Week’s Legislation
This week, we passed several more budget bills, including Human Services, Energy, Labor, and Environment. These bills are the culmination of weeks of detailed work, collaboration, and negotiation, and they reflect meaningful progress in addressing the needs of Minnesotans across the state. I want to acknowledge the committee chairs and co-chairs who led the charge. Thank you to them for their commitment, long hours, and focus, which were critical in getting these bills across the finish line.
In our budget bills overall, I am proud of the way that we focused on our key pillars of making life more affordable, stopping fraud in Minnesota, and building for the future. As we remain focused on these key ideas, we are making a positive difference on the lives of Minnesotans across the state.
A Week of Recognition
This week, we recognized several important groups within our communities.
Small Business Week: National Small Business Week reminds us of the important work that small businesses do in and for our communities. They drive local economies, create jobs, and bring unique character and services to our main streets. Thank you to our small businesses for their involvement in our region!
Teacher Appreciation Week: Teachers are important figures in the development and education of our children. Thank you to the educators who shape minds, inspire growth, and make a lasting impact in our communities every day. Your work matters, and we are grateful.
Nurses Appreciation Week: Thank you to our nurses for their commitment to caring for the vulnerable and those in need in our community. Nurses are vital to the healthcare system and sacrifice so much to care for their patients. Thank you, nurses, for the work that you do!
This Weekend: Mother’s Day and the Fishing Opener
We are heading into a big weekend, given that our fishing opener and Mother’s Day fell at the same time. I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, I hope you are able to spend quality time with family and friends this weekend. And for everyone who is heading out to fish, I wish you a safe weekend on the water and best of luck!
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