Having trouble viewing this email?  [ [link removed] ]View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].






Gander




*November 7, 2025*






Interim News

Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope your November is off to a great start! On my Wednesday morning commute, I ran into a few wild turkeys having their own “morning meeting” right in the middle of the recreational trail. I have to say—it's pretty gutsy for turkeys to be out stretching their legs this close to Thanksgiving. Either they’re feeling confident in their camouflage skills, or they’re just living dangerously.

1

Speaking of the great outdoors, this weekend marks the much-anticipated deer hunting opener! It’s practically a state holiday here in Minnesota—when blaze orange becomes our unofficial fall color and half the state’s pickup trucks mysteriously vanish into the woods.

It looks like the weather will be cool, partly sunny, and without much precipitation. We can work with that! Without question, getting out into nature, trekking through swamps and woodlands, and hopefully harvesting a deer are among the things we love about living in Minnesota. I remember my first couple of years deer hunting at age 12—wet feet, tired legs, and easily distracted—thinking, “Why do we even do this?” Somewhere around the third or fourth year, though, it became quite enjoyable, and now I can’t wait! It’s the same bunch of knuckleheads (present company included), the same jokes and stories, and it’s one of the highlights of the year.

As hunters across the state gear up for the season, I want to take a quick moment to echo the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ [ [link removed] ] reminder: safe hunts are successful hunts. Whether you’re chasing that trophy buck or just enjoying time in the woods with friends and family, preparation and awareness are key.

A few quick tips before you head out:


*

Take a minute to *review your firearm safety*—even the most seasoned hunters can use a refresher.


*

Make sure your *blaze orange or blaze pink* gear is ready to go (fashion and safety, all in one).


*

Have a clear *plan with your hunting party* about where everyone’s going to be—because no one wants to end up playing accidental hide-and-seek in the woods.


*

Always *know your target and what’s beyond*—you’re sharing the outdoors with fellow hunters and hikers alike.


*

And finally, give your *tree stand and safety harness* a good inspection. It’s a lot easier to make repairs from your garage than from 12 feet up in a spruce tree at dawn.

So, to all of you who will be out—and to those who will be enjoying some quiet time at home while your spouse is chest-deep in cattails—be safe, have fun, and I wish you a productive hunt! Whether you bag a big one or just come home with good stories and an empty cooler, here’s wishing all our hunters a safe, fun, and memorable opening weekend. And if you happen to see any bold turkeys out there—tell them I said their days of leisurely strolls might be numbered.

1
________________________________________________________________________



You May Find More Than Wild Turkeys On Our Trails
1

Even when hunting season wraps up, there’s still plenty of outdoor adventure to be found right here at home. One incredible example of that is Naomi Dunavan (pictured above), who back in 2018 accomplished a goal she had set several years earlier—to ride her bicycle on our streets and trails a total of 24,901 miles, equaling the distance around the Earth’s equator!

I used to joke with her that we’d have to tack on a small surcharge to her city utility bill for all the extra wear and tear she caused on our roads and trails. Truth be told, I’m proud of her endurance and the sheer dedication it took to meet such an impressive goal.

At the time, we promised Naomi that we’d place a sign marking the spot where she completed her monumental ride. Life got busy, and somehow that promise slipped through the cracks—but thanks to the excellent work of Reid Huttunen, EGF City Administrator; Jeremy King, EGF Parks and Recreation Superintendent; and Mayor Mark Olstad, that sign was finally completed and installed this week.

Several years have passed, and as time goes on, our health and pace may change—but Naomi hasn’t stopped. These days, you might spot her out on her e-trike, continuing to log miles and enjoy the trails she’s come to know so well. With that third wheel, I suppose we might have to raise that “surcharge” a bit!

Keep up the great work, Naomi. You continue to inspire us all—showing that fitness, perseverance, and a love of the outdoors are truly for everyone.

________________________________________________________________________



Keeping Our Aim Steady at the Capitol

Just as Minnesotans take pride in preparation, focus, and accountability in the great outdoors, those same principles should apply at the Capitol. The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) recently released a report [ [link removed] ] that uncovered some major issues in the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan—including "12 separate findings of noncompliance". We’re talking about things like late vendor payments, inaccurate payroll and reimbursements, missing documentation, and even a failure to track state assets.

In response, House Speaker Lisa Demuth said it best: "“Accountability starts at the top.”"

For years, we’ve been sounding the alarm about fraud, waste, and mismanagement running through our state agencies. Now we’re seeing that the same lack of oversight extends right into the Governor’s own office. If Minnesotans are expected to play by the rules, balance their budgets, and keep good records—shouldn’t our state leaders be doing the same?

At the end of the day, trust in government depends on accountability. That’s why House Republicans will keep pressing for transparency, better internal controls, and stronger safeguards for your tax dollars. Because whether you’re handling a firearm or a state budget—you’d better know what you’re aiming at, and you’d better do it right.

________________________________________________________________________



Meanwhile, Out in Washington…

As many of you know, we’ve been following the ongoing federal government shutdown for weeks now—and while there’s still no clear end in sight, there’s finally been a flicker of movement. On Wednesday, Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries announced [ [link removed] ] they’d like to meet with the President “anytime, anyplace” to discuss reopening the government and tackling the growing list of ripple effects the shutdown is causing. It’s good to see some willingness to talk—now let’s hope that talk turns into progress.

One of the biggest areas of concern right now is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the federal program that helps families in need keep food on the table. A recent analysis of federal data revealed that SNAP spending in Minnesota has exploded in recent years [ [link removed] ], hitting more than *$1.5 billion* in Fiscal Year 2023. That’s *"triple"* what was spent just four years earlier.

Now, everyone agrees that people who truly need help should get it. But when spending jumps by that much, that fast, it raises legitimate questions about oversight. In fact, Minnesota saw a *174% increase* in SNAP issuances over a single year during the COVID era—more than double the rate of the next-highest state. That’s not normal growth; that’s a flashing red light that something deeper needs a look.

Here’s the kicker: when the U.S. Department of Agriculture asked states to share data to ensure these benefits were going to eligible recipients, *29 states complied*. *Minnesota didn’t*. And in the states that did cooperate, investigators uncovered massive fraud.

That should tell us something. We can’t keep ignoring warning signs and pretending everything’s fine. Real people depend on these programs, and taxpayers deserve confidence that every dollar is going where it’s supposed to go. Accountability and transparency aren’t partisan ideas—they’re the foundation of good government. And right now, Washington could use a strong reminder of both.

________________________________________________________________________



Got a Bright Idea for Minnesota Agriculture?

Farmers, agriculture enthusiasts, and clever problem-solvers—this one’s for you! Chair Hansen’s brainchild, the AGRI Works Grant, is officially open for applications. And trust me, this isn’t your average paperwork slog—it’s *real funding for big ideas* that will make Minnesota agriculture smarter, stronger, and a little more awesome.

Here’s the dirt: grants range from *$5,000 to $75,000* (with a 50% match) and will go to about 5–15 standout projects. Whether you’re working on research, education, marketing, or something entirely new, think of it as a little sunshine to help your idea grow.

But don’t drag your boots—*applications are due December 16, 2025*, and winners will be announced in mid-February 2026.

If you or someone you know has been tinkering in the shed with the next big Ag innovation, now’s the time to make it happen. Check out the *AGRI Works Grant webpage [ [link removed] ]* for all the details—and let’s keep Minnesota agriculture thriving, one bold, creative, and fundable idea at a time.

________________________________________________________________________



Until Next Time…

As November settles in and that familiar chill creeps back into the air, I can’t help but smile at how Minnesotans handle this season. We’ve got folks in blaze orange heading for the woods, combines finishing up the last rows in the fields, and turkeys acting like they own the place—though, between us, their confidence might be misplaced this time of year.

I just want to take a moment to thank you for following along and taking the time to keep yourself informed about what’s happening here in our state and beyond. I know life gets busy—there’s always a tractor to fix, snow tires to swap out, or a pot of chili that needs another taste test—so I truly appreciate you carving out a few minutes to stay connected.

Your engagement and your ideas are what keep Minnesota strong. So don’t be shy—reach out anytime with your thoughts, concerns, or just a good story from your corner of the world.

Until next time, stay warm, drive safe, and keep an eye out for those bold turkeys who still think they can outsmart us.

Talk soon,

Representative Steve Gander

Minnesota house of Representatives, District 1B











Facebook Icon [ [link removed] ]

 

/RepSteveGander [ [link removed] ]





2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.5091







________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Minnesota House GOP [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota House GOP · 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. · Saint Paul, MN 55155 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]