Legislative Update Friends and Neighbors, We are getting into the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session. Omnibus bills are moving onto the House Floor, with some still being worked on. As we get closer to the end of session, I am keeping the priorities of our communities front and center. I wanted to take a few minutes to recap some of the things that happened over the past week. MinnesotaCare Expansion: Misplaced Priorities and Rising CostsIn 2023, the DFL quietly expanded MinnesotaCare to cover individuals here illegally. Recently, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that 17,396 undocumented immigrants are now enrolled. This is more than double the initial estimate of 7,700. What was originally expected to cost $196 million over four years has now ballooned to $550 million, and it’s still rising. Here’s the problem: Every dollar of this expansion is being paid for by hardworking Minnesotans. At a time when our state is facing a $6 billion budget deficit, this kind of unchecked spending is putting essential services at risk – services that Minnesota families depend on like ambulance services, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. See Monday’s press conference covering this issue?[here]. As your representative, I will push back against the DFL’s misplaced priorities and irresponsible budgeting. Have any thoughts or concerns on this issue? Reach out to my office at the contact information listed on the bottom of this newsletter. University of Minnesota Alumni LuncheonOn Wednesday, I attended an Alumni Luncheon alongside fellow government members, including Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth. These leaders aren't the only ones with a degree from the University of Minnesota – about 1 in every 4 legislators in Minnesota attended the school. During the luncheon, attendees shared speeches and reflected on how their time at the University played a key role in shaping their careers. I was blessed to attend the University of Minnesota and graduate with a degree in Agricultural Business Administration. Higher education was instrumental in preparing me for my work on my family farm. I support higher education as one of many options for individuals to pursue their dreams. State of the State AddressLater on Wednesday, I joined my colleagues at the Capitol for the Governor’s State of the State address. Traditionally, this is an opportunity for the Governor to provide a detailed review of the health of our state and outline his priorities moving forward. However, much of the address focused on the politics in Washington, while the Governor largely neglected the pressing issues we face right here in Minnesota. Instead of getting caught up in national politics, we should be focusing on genuine common-sense solutions to the challenges our state is facing, like our budget deficit, rising costs, and the needs of our communities. I remain committed to working on behalf of our district and the people of Minnesota to ensure we address these issues head on. A Big Win for Agriculture: Minnesota’s Ag Bill Passes in the HouseOn Thursday, we saw the first budget bill of the session come to the House floor: the Agriculture Omnibus Bill. This bill passed unanimously, a strong show of bipartisan support. It’s a balanced bill that refocuses attention on the importance of farming and agriculture in Minnesota. The bill prioritizes the prevention and response to infectious diseases in flocks and herds while rejecting all proposed fee increases from Governor Walz’s Department of Agriculture. It eliminates wasteful spending, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively. The bill also properly funds wolf and elk damage depredation payments to help farmers and rejects costly mandates on food manufacturers and grocers. Additionally, it supports the Board of Animal Health and makes a significant investment in research and education to ensure Minnesota’s agriculture industry remains thriving and competitive. It’s a win for Minnesota’s farmers and a great step forward in securing the future of our state's agricultural industry. Minnesota State Cattlemen's AssociationEarlier on Thursday, the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association brought a piece of Minnesota’s agricultural heritage to the Capitol. They set up a station on the front lawn and served delicious steak on a stick to members, staff, and visitors. The event had a great turnout and was filled with energy and excitement. The Cattlemen’s Association president and junior ambassadors were on hand to serve up the tasty steak, which was a big hit with everyone who attended. It’s always a privilege to support and celebrate the hardworking cattle farmers of Minnesota, and this event was a fantastic way to highlight the quality of our state’s beef production. |