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10.24.2025






*Interim Update*

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*School's in Full Swing*

It’s been great to see students and staff back in the classroom for another school year. I had the opportunity to join Sen. Eric Pratt at the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board meeting last Monday, where we discussed the importance of empowering schools with local control, flexibility, and the resources needed to meet community needs. You can watch the full meeting or skip to my presentation at the 10-minute mark [here [ [link removed] ]].

Through my work as an educator and legislator, I’ve seen how critical it is that state policy supports – not hinders – our local districts. I’m there when we discuss and draft legislation at the Capitol and I’m there when it actually has to be implemented at our local schools.

That experience makes it very clear that one-size-fits-all mandates from St. Paul rarely work in practice. School leaders know their communities best, and they should have the freedom and tools they need to keep classrooms safe and focused on student learning and success.

Throughout the Interim, I’ve been meeting with educators and local officials. As we get closer to the 2026’ Legislative Session, I’m excited to have another opportunity to bring their concerns and ideas to the House floor and deliver real lasting results for our teachers and students.

I cannot stress enough how important input and feedback were during the last session. It’s the most important tool we have when it comes to crafting good policy so, please don’t hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts.

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*Following Up with the Latest on Fraud*

Minnesotans place their trust in government programs to serve vulnerable families, but that trust is being tested like never before. Here are the latest developments:


* This week, KSTP released their 5 Eyewitness News Special Report “What the Fraud?”. The special investigation revealed that fraud in Minnesota’s safety-net programs is “pervasive” and could total billions of dollars. Please watch their breakdown below: 'What the Fraud?': A 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS special report - KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News [ [link removed] ]
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Probes span child nutrition, autism-services billing, and housing transitions, with auditors warning the state’s oversight remains inadequate.


* A "Star Tribune" investigation uncovered five additional Minnesota providers connected to individuals already indicted for Medicaid fraud. –  Star Tribune [ [link removed] ]
* Legislative Auditor Judy Randall warned that fraud will likely get worse before it gets better, given the lack of long-term reforms and misspent oversight. –  Star Tribune [ [link removed] ]

Amid these troubling developments, there is a positive sign: the U.S. Senate has confirmed Daniel Rosen as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota. I believe he is poised to build on the real progress made under Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who has delivered much-needed accountability in our state.

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*Capital Investment Committee Comes to Town*

On Thursday this week, the House Capital Investment Committee stopped in Shakopee to discuss several local projects across our district and learn more about their regional impact and community benefits. I’m grateful to see these proposals moving forward, as each represents an important investment in safety, economic growth, and quality of life for residents.

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*The Shakopee Innovation Hub*

The Innovation Hub will serve as a first-of-its-kind resource center connecting educators, entrepreneurs, and local businesses under one roof. It is designed to accelerate workforce development, small business growth, and regional collaboration by offering training labs, co-working spaces, and technical support for start-ups. This project reflects exactly the type of long-term investment that strengthens local economies and creates opportunities close to home.

*Downtown Quiet Zone Improvements*

Rail traffic through Shakopee’s historic downtown has increased significantly, bringing with it frequent train horn noise that disrupt neighborhoods and businesses. The Quiet Zone Improvements project will reduce this noise by upgrading crossings with new gates, flashing lights, and safety medians that reduce the need for traditional horn blasts. These improvements will make downtown more livable and more attractive for new development and investment.

*Merriam Junction Regional Trail, Phase II*

The Merriam Junction Trail project will connect residents to jobs, schools, parks, and neighborhoods through a safe, accessible multi-use path. This next phase, known as the Louisville Segment, adds 4.3 miles of trail and several new bridges to expand connectivity between Shakopee and regional destinations. Once complete, the trail will provide safe access for an estimated 200,000 users annually while promoting recreation, tourism, and healthy communities.

Each of these projects represents collaboration between local, county, and state leaders working toward shared goals: safer communities, stronger economies, and better quality of life for Minnesota families.

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*Looking Ahead*

As we look toward the 2026 legislative session, I’m focused on continuing the work we started this year: strengthening education, improving workforce readiness, restoring accountability in government, and protecting the public’s trust.

Education will always be a big priority, but our challenges extend beyond the classroom. We must make sure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, that our communities remain safe, and that Minnesota remains a place where families and small businesses can thrive.

Over the coming months, I’ll continue meeting with local leaders, educators, and business owners to hear their ideas and concerns. Whether it’s addressing fraud in state programs, improving access to workforce training, or making it easier for schools and local governments to meet their needs without new mandates, the goal remains the same: delivering common-sense solutions that actually make a difference for our communities.

Your input and partnership are essential in that work. Together, we can keep building a stronger, more accountable Minnesota.

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Let's Continue to Work Together

Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-5185 or by email at [email protected]. 

Have a great weekend! 

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658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.5185







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