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This past Monday, the Minnesota Legislature reconvened for a special session to pass several unfinished omnibus bills and finalize the state budget. While I’m glad that we were finally able to bring some closure to the session, I remain frustrated that it came down to the last possible minute – and beyond the regular session deadline.
This delay is a good example of why it’s so important to get to work on day one. Pushing major bills to the very end only creates unnecessary pressure, confusion, and additional costs for Minnesota taxpayers. It didn’t need to happen this way.
Special Session
During Monday’s special session, the House debated and passed a series of large omnibus bills. While some included important funding for things like EMS services, hospitals, and local infrastructure, others were filled with last-minute policy language and costly mandates that made them difficult to support. I reviewed each bill carefully and voted in favor of provisions that will benefit our communities, and against those that placed new burdens on taxpayers, schools, or local governments.
Education Policy Bill
One of the highlights from this week’s special session was the final version of the Education Policy bill, which included several important wins for Minnesota families and schools. I want to sincerely thank all of the parents, teachers, and school leaders who reached out over the past few months. Your input made a real difference in shaping this bill. It is a clear example of how public feedback leads to better policy.
We were able to protect nonpublic pupil aid, keeping support in place for homeschool, religious, and charter school students. One of the most impactful changes was the adoption of the Science of Reading as Minnesota’s official literacy standard. This is a much-needed shift that will help more students build strong reading skills early on – something that has proven to be a major factor, not just in education outcomes, but in future quality of life.
Back in the District: Cancer Cruise of Sibley County
Before heading back to the Capitol for Monday’s special session, I had the privilege of attending the Cancer Cruise of Sibley County this past Saturday. This incredible local event raises funds to support residents in our community who are battling cancer – and thanks to the generosity of those who participated, tens of thousands of dollars were raised.
It was a powerful reminder of what makes our communities so special. When someone is in need, our neighbors step up. I’m proud to represent a district that shows this kind of heart and support for one another.
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