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09.19.25






Interim Update

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*Back to School*

It’s great to be back with students and staff as a new school year begins. As both an educator and legislator, I see every day the challenges and opportunities in our classrooms. I remain committed to supporting our schools, empowering educators, and ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive.

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*Recognized by Minnesota School Boards Association*

I was honored to be named a 2025 Legislator of Distinction by the Minnesota School Boards Association. This recognition reflects the strong partnership between legislators and school boards working to address the real needs of our classrooms. From advocating for flexibility in school budgets to reducing unfunded mandates, my focus has been on making sure local leaders have the tools they need to support students. I’m grateful for this recognition and even more grateful for the dedicated educators and school board members who make a difference in their communities every day.

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*PSEO Court Ruling Restores Faith-Based Access*

Recently, the court struck down a 2023 law that had excluded faith-based colleges from participating in Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program. This is an important win for students, families, and religious liberty.

From the beginning, I was clear that this law was both discriminatory and unconstitutional. Faith-based colleges have long been valued partners in educating Minnesota’s youth, and excluding them had nothing to do with educational quality. It was about ideology.

This ruling reaffirms what many of us have said all along: there is no place for laws that target faith-based institutions simply because of their deeply held beliefs. Rather than wasting taxpayer dollars defending flawed policies, we should focus on what truly matters: educating our students and expanding opportunities for them to succeed.

You can watch my floor speech on this provision [HERE [ [link removed] ]]. (Cut to 3:08:30)

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*Potential Special Session*

As you know, the Governor holds the sole power to call a special session. He has not yet done so, but has made it clear that he intends to. We’ve heard him and DFL leaders express their desire to bring forward an assault weapons ban and a high-capacity magazine ban. I’ve been equally clear that any special session must focus on keeping students safe, expanding access to mental health care, and ensuring criminals face real consequences. Our team has already begun preparing language to reflect those priorities.

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*Political Violence*

Our hearts break for the victims and families impacted by the senseless acts of violence we’ve witnessed this summer and fall. I’ve seen firsthand, both in the classroom and at the Capitol, the pressure educators face to keep students safe. No parent should fear for their child’s safety in school, and no teacher should fear for their life in the classroom.

Too often, tragedy is followed by political finger-pointing and gamesmanship. What our communities need is action—real solutions that reduce violence and keep people safe. Improving safety requires a balanced, evidence-based approach developed by listening to families, educators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and others. That includes improving mental health access, strengthening school security, supporting law enforcement, and addressing firearm accessibility.

At the same time, we must uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. I strongly support the Second Amendment, and any firearm policy must respect those freedoms while focusing on keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a danger. These goals can and must coexist. I have zero sympathy for criminals and fully support mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes.

The reality is that Minnesota already has red flag laws, universal background checks, and restrictions on straw purchasers. Yet violence persists. The hard truth is no single gun law will solve this problem. What will make a difference is investing in prevention, ensuring early intervention, and supporting schools and communities with the flexibility and resources they need. 

Evidence-based solutions exist, and if implemented thoughtfully, they can make our schools and communities safer. Lasting change won’t come from slogans or partisanship—it will come from working together on practical, effective measures that truly protect our children.

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*Thank You*

As always, thank you for taking the time to stay engaged and informed. Your feedback, ideas, and concerns help guide the work I do on your behalf at the Capitol. It is a privilege to serve as your representative, and I take seriously the responsibility of making sure your voice is heard.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your thoughts or questions. I look forward to continuing to work together as we build a stronger future for our schools, families, and communities.

Have a great weekend!

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