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Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Rep. Steve Gander: Agriculture & Human Services Budgets Deliver Real Wins for Rural Minnesota ST. PAUL, MN — On Monday, the Minnesota Legislature passed the 2025 Agriculture and Human Services budgets, securing several victories for rural and regional communities. Representative Steve Gander (R–East Grand Forks), serving his first term in the Minnesota House and sitting on both the Agriculture Finance & Policy and Human Services Finance & Policy Committees, played a key role in pushing forward reforms that reflect the values of Greater Minnesota. “As someone who’s been deeply involved in my community for years, I came to the Capitol to be a voice for the people I know and care about,” said Rep. Gander. “This budget isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting what matters and making sure our rural communities aren’t left behind.”
In the Agriculture budget, House Republicans fought to remove wasteful spending, stop costly mandates, and protect Minnesota’s food producers and livestock. Key victories include: Fully funding wolf and elk depredation payments to fairly compensate livestock producers for wildlife damage. Stopping a burdensome new mandate that would have forced grocers and food manufacturers to test for plastics—costing over $180 million. Preserving the independence and effectiveness of the Board of Animal Health, pushing back on changes that would have weakened its disease response capabilities. “These are common-sense decisions that keep agriculture strong and sustainable,” said Gander. “We’re standing with our producers, not layering on regulations that drive up costs and slow down operations.”
As a member of the Human Services Committee, Gander also helped secure one of the largest spending reductions in state history—cutting $1.2 billion—while demanding accountability and preserving essential services. Wins in the Human Services budget include: An additional $95 million in funding for nursing homes, after years of being overlooked. Stopping cost shifts to counties, which would have placed an unfair burden on local taxpayers. New anti-fraud measures to target waste and abuse, including licensing requirements for autism providers and background checks for housing stabilization services. Blocking free health care for adults living in Minnesota illegally. “These reforms protect the dignity of people in need while restoring trust in how our government delivers services,” Gander said. “We took major steps toward building a safety net that’s strong, fair, and financially responsible.”
Gander also emphasized the larger picture of what Republicans fought for in this budget: no new taxes, responsible spending, and protecting core services. “I’m proud that in my first session, we didn’t just hold the line—we actually made real progress,” said Gander. “This budget puts Greater Minnesota on more solid ground, and that’s something our region can be proud of.”
The Agriculture and Human Services budget bills passed off the House floor with bipartisan support. ### |