Legislative Update – April 24, 2026

Legislative Update – April 24, 2026

Dear Neighbors, 

This week, we celebrated Earth Day, an important time to recommit ourselves to protecting our environment. I’ll be honest, this year it felt even more important given recent federal actions. 

Last week, the US Senate revoked a 20-year mineral withdrawal protecting 225,378 acres of public lands in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) watershed from toxic mining on a 50-49 vote. 

The move was led by Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber. It paves the way to permanent pollution from a proposed sulfide-ore copper-nickel mine that Chilean mining giant Antofagasta has long sought to develop directly upstream of the Boundary Waters through its subsidiary, Twin Metals.   

I’m thankful to Senator Tina Smith for doing everything in her power to prevent this from going through. I will continue to be a strong advocate for our water, our environment, and the Boundary Waters in the state House, and I’m working with my colleagues for a plan to protect our natural resources next session if we regain control of the House. This fight is not over, and I’m proud to be in it with you. 

Legislative Session Update

We are less than a month away from the end of the 2026 Legislative Session, and negotiations are continuing as we work to pass our priorities and build an economy, health care system, education system, and state that works for everyone. 

Unfortunately, Republicans are showing Minnesotans that they’re more interested in political theater, not policy solutions. They tried to make a motion to adjourn almost two months early and legislators have been caught skipping committee to day-drink instead of staying in their committee. 

Just last week, on the Rules Committee where I serve, Republicans spent time appeasing the “freedom caucus,” who was just there to create content for their social media clips about impeaching Gov. Walz and Attorney General Ellison. That kind of dog and pony show does nothing to lower prices for households or make our state a great place to raise a family! 

It's becoming increasingly clear that in our tied House, the GOP is using divided government to stall progress on the issues our district cares about: economic relief, gun violence prevention, ICE response, and more. 

I’m continuing to push for these priorities, as well as looking for places I can get my Republican colleagues’ support. I hope as we head into these last couple of weeks, we can get serious and make progress together. Our neighbors deserve better. 

Community at the Capitol

It’s also been a busy few weeks for constituent visits and Days on the Hill! 

I met with Prior Lake-Savage Schools about their Farm to School program (they serve carrots from Waxwing farm in Webster!), Dave with the MN Propane Association, folks from Three Links Health Services and Trinity Care Center with Leading Age, Beth from MDoT on Autonomous Vehicles Day, Carleton students who came up to visit, and Allegra, who is Executive Director of Perpich Center for the Arts. 

I also met with Nalani from the MN Conservation Corps, Jen to talk about Guardians ad litem, and Northfield Citizens’ Climate Lobby members Howard and Janet stopped by, too! 

This Saturday: Free Parks Day!

TOMORROW, April 25th, it’s Free Parks and Trails Day in Minnesota. Four times a year, Minnesota state parks offer free entrance, waiving the need for a $7 vehicle permit. It’s a great way to revisit our local gems or explore a new part of the state. You can use the parkfinder here to plan your next trip.  

Stay Connected!

Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.kristi.pursell@house.mn.gov or call my office 651-296-0171, and I will be happy to help.

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