Dear friends,
As 2025 draws near, I’m thankful for—faith, family, friendship, and the opportunity to serve our amazing community. Representing you is a privilege, and I remain grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me.
I hope your Christmas is centered on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, whose blessing and sacrifice are at the heart of this season.
In a House chamber split right down the middle, progress was not always easy—but we delivered significant results for our Lakeville-area communities, marking my most successful session yet. We passed a responsible transportation budget, and stood firm against wasteful spending and cut the projected deficit in half!
Next month I will highlight the pervasive Fraud issue under the Walz administration.
My priorities remained consistent: protecting taxpayers, strengthening public safety, and ensuring your dollars are used wisely and close to home.
Leadership for the Roads Ahead
As GOP Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I was proud to lead negotiations on a transportation bill that focused on practicality and accountability.
One of the biggest achievements was securing $40 million in matching funds for the I-35 and County Road 50/ 5 interchange in Lakeville—a project that will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support growth.
We ensured electric vehicles contribute fairly to road maintenance, and eliminated the “Delivery Tax” on construction materials and propane.
I was also honored to help Rep. Witte rename the Burnsville Parkway Bridge in memory of Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth.
Putting an End to Costly and Unused Trains
I led efforts to finally stop the Northstar Commuter train and also redirected $77 million away from the Northern Lights Express in Duluth, essentially killing that project too. Those funds were instead used to help offset new DFL burdens placed on our schools—a clear win for taxpayers.
Advancing Mental Health and Saving Lives
Mental health is an issue that transcends party lines. This session, I worked alongside Rep. Rick Hansen (D) to make Hennepin County forward funding for a suicide prevention fence on the Washington Avenue Bridge at the University of Minnesota. It was a challenging effort, but this change will help save lives.
Standing with First Responders
Along with Sen. Eric Pratt, I led the direction of existing funding for continued equine-assisted mental health therapy for first responders dealing with PTSD. This program has made a powerful difference, and now more of our heroes will have access to help.
Cutting Red Tape and Supporting Jobs
We made updates to outdated fuel regulations that were hindering gas stations and customers, like Kwik Trip near Elko Speedway. The changes give businesses flexibility without new mandates. We also authored Made in Minnesota Manufacturing Grants to help local manufacturers grow, innovate, and create jobs.
