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Dear Neighbors,
Fall is officially here and there's been a lot that's happened since I last wrote. Here's an update from the Capitol:
Governor Walz is considering calling a special session of the legislature to address gun violence, and I’ve heard from many of you on this growing epidemic. In Minnesota, while the Governor has the power to call a special session, it is the Legislature that sets the agenda and length of time, and any solution will take bipartisan buy-in. I'm proud of what we've been able to pass in recent years, like Red Flag Laws and criminal background checks, which are working and saving lives, as outlined by data in this article.
No matter what else we talk about, including important investments in security measures and mental health support, when looking back on school shootings, one constant remains throughout all of them: someone had access to a firearm who shouldn’t have.
One tragedy is too many, and we’ve had too many of them. As a gun owner myself, I know there are common sense, reasonable solutions we can act on to help prevent more tragedy. Negotiations to that end continue, but whether it’s this fall, or when we return for the 2026 Legislative Session in February, addressing gun violence will be top of mind for me - and I want to hear from you.
Advocating for gun violence prevention with my House colleague and educator Rep. Mary Frances Clardy of Inver Grove Heights.
Protecting our Public Services
A couple of weeks ago, Governor Walz established a Statewide Inspector General Coordinating Council, building on the broad, bipartisan package we passed last session to combat bad actors attempting to defraud government services. We've enacted laws allowing agencies to better withhold payments from suspected fraudulent providers, strengthened whistleblower protections, and increased funding to the legislative auditor to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and correctly.
Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to support services and programs that help people thrive; any scammer attempting to defraud these programs must be held accountable. These new measures enable more proactive work to catch criminals before money goes out the door. As your representative, I'm continuing discussions with the administration and colleagues who authored our anti-fraud measures about additional steps we can take next session to strengthen oversight.
EMS Update
I recently joined Hennepin County paramedics and dispatchers at a press conference to discuss the stressors that workers and professionals continue to face. Senator Judy Seeberger, my Senate counterpart serving on the Emergency Medical Services Task Force, and I continue to work toward improving recruitment and retention for paramedics and dispatchers.
Out and About in the District
It was great to be with friends at St. Thomas’s Becket’s recent community gathering. There was great music, games, food and even the Minnesota Department of Transportation was taking community input on Highway 3 improvement. You can check out the construction timeline and project’s progress here. These projects turn out best with strong local input, as we’ve seen with the recently completed roundabout near the high school.
 Even with summer dwindling down, you still have a chance to get to Apple Valley’s farmer’s market! Check out what our local farmers have grown for you every Saturday 8 am – 1 p.m through October 26th.
Fall Color Finder
As temperatures dip and colors begin to pop, I encourage you to check out Minnesota's Fall Color Finder to track the changes across the state. It’s a fun way to map out any outdoor getaway before the snow flies.
And speaking of getaways, an important update for families flying over MEA: the Trump Administration has recently taken federal action eliminating financial reimbursements for canceled or delayed flights. This also includes financial compensation for hotel accommodations and meals.
I’m disappointed this rolls back consumer protections for folks when we’re seeing rising prices on just about everything; including the anticipated 100% tariffs on international prescription drugs, health care premiums, and more. It’s becoming more and more expensive to live and retire. All of these federal policies harming Minnesota families will help shape our work at the state level to mitigate the damages next session.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime, on any topic, via email or phone. You’re also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for more updates from the community and Capitol.
It’s an honor to serve you and bring our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan voices to St. Paul.
Take care,
John
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