Taking Action on Gun Violence PreventionNo matter what else we talk about when looking back on school shootings — including important investments in school security measures and mental health support — one constant remains throughout all of them: someone had access to a firearm who shouldn’t have. Two empty school desks belonging to Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, whose lives were taken last August at Annunciation Catholic Church, sit in the Capitol. Harper’s mom gave heart-wrenching testimony of how they had to cremate their daughter twice as a result of the damage that was done to her body. Since this tragedy, we’ve continued to hear directly from survivors of gun violence and loved ones of those who’ve been lost, calling for action to prevent more heartbreaking losses in the future. While we’ve taken important action like expanding criminal background checks and enacting red flag laws, there’s clearly more to do. That's why we're working on solutions to save more lives.  10-year-old Harper and 8-year-old Fletcher should be in school today. Taking Action on Fraud PreventionEvery public dollar should be used for the public good — not to enrich scammers, shell companies, or criminals who exploit Minnesotans. I am furious that taxpayer dollars meant to support families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children have been stolen through fraud and abuse. My colleagues and I have rolled out a comprehensive legislative package aimed at preventing, detecting, investigating, and holding accountable those who commit fraud in Minnesota’s public programs. I am working with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to find a path forward. Unregulated currency kiosks currently found in grocery stores and gas stations are largely unregulated and lack the consumer protections that banks are required to provide, making vulnerable people easy targets for fraud. In a Commerce committee meeting, we discussed a bill focusing on virtual currency kiosks. We heard compelling testimony from a detective about a senior citizen who lost 50% of her fixed income to a fraudster through one of these machines. Just as cigarette vending machines were regulated for public health, similar oversight of virtual currency kiosks is essential to protect consumers from financial exploitation. Committee Work and Public Safety Efforts Advancing This year, I continue to serve on the House Commerce, Taxes, and Health Finance committees. Many of the bills I’m carrying this year have a public safety component to them. Today I'm presenting a bill that requires the removal of identifying police insignia and equipment on a public safety vehicle before it is sold or transferred to the general public. You may recall the events of June 14th when an individual impersonating a police officer used police tactical gear and emergency lights to deceive and assassinate my friend Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their Golden Retriever, Gilbert. This issue is personal to me and I’m looking forward to getting it across the finish line with broad bipartisan support. I’m pleased to also share that a bipartisan bill to increase the crime penalty for impersonating a peace officer is advancing. I’m also grateful to share that red flag laws are saving lives, and legislation I carried in 2023 are boosting police numbers. Public safety should always be bipartisan and I’m honored to work with our community on measures that keep us all safe. Congratulations, Olympians!Minnesota was represented well in Milan at this year’s 2026 Winter Olympics. I had the honor of meeting Abby Murphy recently from the Golden Gophers and USA Gold medal-winning hockey team. Remarkable individual.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime with input, questions, or to let me know how I can help. Enjoy the week ahead, John |