Column: Working Together to Deliver for Minnesotans in the 2026 Legislative Session

Working Together to Deliver for Minnesotans in the 2026 Legislative Session

The 2026 Legislative Session is underway, bringing with it both opportunity and responsibility. With the Minnesota House evenly divided, this year’s work will be defined not by partisan victories, but by our ability to collaborate, find common ground, and deliver real results for the people we represent. Minnesotans expect thoughtful leadership focused on solving problems, and that expectation is guiding my priorities this session.

Bipartisan cooperation is not optional in a tied House. Every piece of legislation that moves forward will require members from both parties to listen carefully, negotiate honestly, and remain focused on outcomes rather than rhetoric. While we may approach issues from different perspectives, we share a responsibility to address the rising costs and real challenges facing families across our state.

One of my foremost priorities is ensuring that Minnesota’s senior citizens receive the care, respect, and security they deserve. Seniors built our communities and contributed to the strength of our state, and they should be able to age with dignity. That means improving access to health care, addressing the rising cost of prescription drugs, and supporting long-term care facilities that are struggling with workforce shortages and financial pressures. Making health care more affordable and accessible for seniors is essential to protecting both their quality of life and their financial stability.

Affordability more broadly remains a central concern for families throughout Minnesota. Rising prices at the grocery store, increasing utility costs, higher housing expenses, and escalating health care premiums are putting pressure on household budgets. For many families, especially those on fixed incomes, the math simply is not working. We must focus on responsible budgeting, reducing unnecessary government costs, and advancing policies that lower financial burdens rather than add to them.

Addressing fraud within state programs is also critical to that effort. In recent years, billions of taxpayer dollars have been lost due to weak oversight and delayed accountability. Fraud undermines public trust, diverts funding away from essential services, and places a heavier burden on taxpayers. Strengthening monitoring systems, improving transparency, and ensuring swift consequences for those who exploit public programs must remain a bipartisan priority. Since I was elected in 2024, I have been fighting for oversight and accountability for Minnesota's fraud problem. Even more, my GOP colleagues have been sounding the alarm on this issue for over 10 years! It is time for my DFL colleagues to get serious about the fraud issue and take steps toward a solution this session. We have been ready for far too long and Minnesotans deserve better.

Education is another area where meaningful cooperation can make a difference. Schools across Minnesota are asking for flexibility as they manage staffing shortages, budget pressures, and evolving student needs. Rather than layering on new mandates, we should focus on reducing unfunded requirements and giving educators the tools and autonomy they need to succeed. Supporting schools means trusting local leaders to make decisions that best serve their students and communities.

At its core, this legislative session is about commitment to the people of Minnesota. It is about seniors who need reliable care, families working to balance their budgets, students preparing for the future, and taxpayers who expect accountability for every dollar spent. These challenges are serious, but they are solvable when leaders approach them in good faith.

I remain committed to working across the aisle to address these priorities and deliver practical, responsible solutions that strengthen our communities and move Minnesota forward.

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