Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’re officially in the home stretch, and things are moving at full speed here at the Capitol! After diving back into action this week, the House has shifted into high gear to wrap things up before our May 19 adjournment. With less than five weeks left in the 2025 session, it’s all hands on deck! Committee work is officially behind us, and now it’s time for the main event—floor votes on our omnibus bills. This is where all the behind-the-scenes work, late-night negotiations, and endless cups of coffee finally come together. I’m laser-focused on pushing for a responsible, balanced budget and finding solutions that will truly benefit Minnesotans. Coming up: The Human Services Finance and Policy omnibus bill and the Health omnibus bill will both be voted on the floor Monday, May 5. Then, the Environment omnibus bill will be heard the following day, Tuesday, May 6. This last stretch is jam-packed, but it’s also where the real magic happens! Let’s get it done! A Special Night at the Capitol Wednesday evening was one for the books—I had the honor of attending the Governor’s State of the State Address. What made it special was sharing the evening with my invited guest, Kip Lynk, the superintendent from ACGC—and also a wonderful family friend and neighbor. Moments like this remind me that no matter our differences, we all want what’s best for Minnesota. As we move forward in session, I’m committed to working across the aisle to reallocate existing funds more efficiently—so we can better meet the needs of Minnesotans across our great state. Here's to unity, community, and solutions that truly make a difference!  Here’s a fun little twist—Senator Cwodzinski was actually Kip’s high school government teacher! How cool is that? It’s always fun to see how Minnesota connections come full circle. From the classroom to the Capitol, it was a full-on civics moment in action! A Thoughtful Look at Minnesota’s Healthcare ExpansionAs we continue to navigate Minnesota’s budget challenges, I think it’s important to have a candid conversation about the expansion of taxpayer-funded healthcare, especially when it comes to covering individuals who are here without legal documentation. The latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that 17,396 individuals who are here illegally are now enrolled in MinnesotaCare. That’s more than double the original estimate of 7,700 from just last year. When the expansion was first discussed, the cost was projected at $196 million over four years. But now, that number has soared to $550 million—and it’s still climbing. What’s even more concerning is that these enrollment numbers weren’t made public right away. They only came to light after repeated questions from House Republicans, which raises concerns about transparency. Here’s another important point: unlike other MinnesotaCare enrollees, individuals who are here illegally don’t qualify for federal matching funds. Normally, the feds cover 90% of the costs, with the state picking up 10%. But in this case, Minnesota taxpayers are covering 100% of the cost. All of this is happening at a time when Minnesota is facing a $6 billion budget deficit. Families across the state are already feeling the pinch from rising costs, and critical services—like ambulance care, rural hospitals, and emergency services—are at risk. But instead of focusing on these urgent needs, the state is putting more than half a billion dollars into healthcare for individuals who are in the country without legal authorization. House Republicans are focused on making sure we get our fiscal house in order and that our healthcare dollars are spent where they’re needed most—on Minnesotans who are struggling and deserve help. It’s time to make sure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and goes to the people who truly need it. This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have to make sure we’re prioritizing the needs of Minnesotans and using our resources responsibly. Revved Up at the Capitol It’s been a fun-filled week here at the Capitol, and one unexpected highlight was getting to check out a car show—right here on the grounds! As someone who’s always had a soft spot for retro cars (my family even had a few classics growing up!), this was such a treat. The chrome, the curves, the nostalgia—every detail brought back memories. It was the perfect mix of policy and horsepower, and I loved every second of it!   Standing with Parents: My Strong Opposition to HF 3239I’ve received so many messages from all of you about House File 3239 and its impact on vaccine mandates, and I want to personally share where I stand. I strongly oppose this bill, and I want you to know that I stand with parents in making the best decisions for their families. As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to have the freedom to make healthcare choices in the best interest of your children. It should be a personal decision, not one made by the government. I believe in the right for parents to decide what’s best for their families, and I’ll continue to fight to protect that right. For those who want to take a closer look at the bill, here’s the link: HF 3239 I truly appreciate all of you who have reached out and shared your thoughts on this issue. It’s my honor to represent you, and I will continue to fight for your rights and freedoms. Thank you for your trust—I’m with you! Boxing Up Christmas Trees for Arbor Day—A Fun Friday Morning! What a fun way to kick off the weekend—this Friday morning, I had the awesome opportunity to be part of a special cause, bagging up a variety of trees in celebration of Arbor Day! It was a heartwarming and hands-on way to give back to the environment, and I loved every minute of it. There's something so fulfilling about contributing to a project that celebrates the beauty and importance of trees. Plus, it was a blast getting a behind-the-scenes look at the process. So grateful to be a part of this effort—it's always nice to mix some fun into making a positive impact!   I had an awesome team alongside me—Rep. Mary Franson, Rep. Rick Hansen, and Rep. Peter Fischer—and they absolutely crushed it as the best tree baggers around!  From Chicago to St. Paul—with Big Smiles and Bigger Hearts! This week brought a little extra sunshine to the Capitol in the form of two amazing visitors—Charles and his younger brother Markese, an 8th grader on spring break from Chicago. These two lit up the building with their curiosity, kindness, and joy. Getting to meet them was truly the highlight of my day. They soaked up every moment of their tour and left with smiles that were downright contagious. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. Come back anytime, Charles and Markese—you’ve got friends here in Minnesota!  A Legendary Surprise! I had the absolute honor of meeting none other than Larry Fitzgerald—yes, the Larry Fitzgerald! As a proud football mom, this was such a special moment for me. He’s not just a legendary wide receiver; he’s a Minnesota icon with a heart of gold. My sons were definitely jealous (and honestly, I don’t blame them!). Getting to chat with him was a total pinch-me moment and one I won’t forget anytime soon. Stay Connected!As always, I’m here to listen and serve you. Please feel free to reach out to my office at 651-296-4228, by email at rep.dawn.gillman@house.mn.gov or follow me on Facebook for more frequent updates! Thank you for the honor of representing District 17A. Together, we will keep working toward making Minnesota a better place to live for all. Sincerely, Representative Dawn Gillman Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A |