Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, I want to take a moment to update you on several of the bills I have authored and am working on this session, as well as some key priorities for our communities. On March 17, HF 4110 was heard in committee. This bill modifies current break and meal requirements for healthcare employees, allowing flexibility so staff can take breaks when it works best for patient care and not at rigid, mandated times. This ensures that someone is always available to care for vulnerable adults, while still supporting the needs of healthcare workers. Another important bill I’ve authored is HF 3609, which focuses on funding mechanisms for hospitals through the federal 340B program. This bill would provide additional financial support to rural critical access hospitals, including those in Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and Ely. These facilities are essential to our communities, and this funding will help ensure they can continue providing high-quality care close to home. HF 3167 establishes a University of Minnesota Center of Excellence and Equity to support nursing education. At a time when rural Minnesota is facing a serious nursing shortage, this initiative will help create stronger pathways into the profession and support more students in completing their nursing degrees. I also signed onto legislation that would allow senior living and nursing home residents to enjoy a “happy hour” without requiring the facility to obtain a liquor license. Under current state law, these communities are restricted, even though they are the residents’ homes. This bill respects the independence and dignity of our seniors by allowing them to make these choices. Additionally, I authored the Minnesota “Nice HomeShare” program HF 1343, which creates opportunities for seniors to rent out a room in their home. This provides seniors with additional income and support, while offering affordable housing to individuals who can assist with everyday tasks like lawn care or snow removal. It’s a win-win solution that strengthens community connections. Looking ahead, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on Title IX and whether biological males can participate in women’s sports. Depending on that decision, I have authored legislation to align Minnesota’s Human Rights Act with the Court’s ruling, ensuring clarity and consistency in state law. We are quickly approaching the first committee deadline, which is just a week away. This means all bills must be heard in committee by next Friday. Session is moving quickly, and there is still much work to be done in a short amount of time. In addition to policy work, I am also supporting several important capital investment projects in our region, including: - Extending water and sewer utilities for the City of Proctor
- Sewer replacement projects along Lake Superior
- Funding for Duluth to construct and improve its district sanitary system without requiring costly full replacement
These investments are critical to maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports our communities’ health, growth, and long-term success. As always, it is an honor to represent you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or feedback. In service, Natalie Fraud UpdateAnother Office of the Legislative Auditor report was released and it raises serious concerns about accountability within the Department of Human Services. For years, DHS has claimed they didn’t have the authority to investigate alleged kickbacks in the autism program prior to 2025. But according to the Legislative Auditor, that simply isn’t true. In fact, they found the department did have the authority and chose not to act. Let that sink in. At the same time, outdated administrative rules may have limited the department’s ability to pause payments during investigations a loophole that could cost taxpayers millions. That’s not a small oversight that’s a failure that demands attention. Minnesotans are already dealing with rising costs across the board. You deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible use of your tax dollars. We have a lot of work to do to fix this and it starts with asking tough questions and demanding better. Take a look at the video and let me know your thoughts.  Visitors Met with the MN resort owners  Spent time with the University of Minnesota Center of Excellence Nursing Program.  Time with neighbors from back home. We talked about trapping.  Listening to those who represent Glen Sheen and Split Rock and preserving history.  Meeting with leaders from DECC on important Capitol replacement needs.  Time with advocates for disability services.  Time with leaders from the MN Counsel of health plans.  Time with representatives from the Bemidji chamber of commerce reviewing priorities for greater MN.  Time with Work Well MN  Reviewing additional funding needs with Tom Werner for 75 year old airport tower.  Presented at the Minnesota rural electric association. Thanks for having me!  Met with the Minnesota forestry industry. Time at Home  Wonderful to speak at opening ceremony for robotics competition for high school students at the DECC for competitors statewide and from around the world.  Time with my Grandson.  Time spent in nature at home. |