Han Mitákuye Owási? (Hello all my relations), We are officially in the last 2 weeks of the 2026 legislative session. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m proud of everything I’ve learned and for the ability to advocate for real change for our community. Earlier this session, my constituent, Karla, shared stories with me of scammers targeting vulnerable communities - especially our elders - defrauding victims of tens of thousands of dollars through cryptocurrency kiosks. It was hard to hear these incidents were happening in our own back yard. That's why I was proud to vote YES on legislation to ban crypto kiosks in Minnesota. Thanks to Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger's leadership in passing this legislation in the Senate, the bill is on its way to Governor Walz’s desk for his signature!  American Indian Month As we observe American Indian Month this May, we honor the rich heritage and sovereign resilience of the 11 Tribal Nations in Mni Sóta Makoce. As a proud Dakota woman, it’s important to me that all our neighbors learn and affirm the deep history of the Dakota and Anishinaabe people and to recognize the vital contributions Indigenous leaders, artists, and families make to our state’s future. We celebrate our shared history and resilience, and uplift tribal sovereignty and our cultures that continue to shape Minnesota today. I want to remind you that May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People (MMIWG2S/MMIWR). It is a time for us to honor victims, renew calls of justice for families, and to ensure we never forget our siblings and relatives we’ve lost to violence and demand action against the crisis of violence against Indigenous peoples. There are community celebrations happening all month for you to get involved. Here are a few helpful links to help you plan.  I also encourage you to visit the Minnesota Museum of American Art to experience the vibrant intersection of tradition and identity at Queering Indigeneity, a multi-generational exhibition that celebrates the vision of 2-Spirit, Native queer, and gender-expansive artists from across the Upper Midwest. Running through August 16, 2026, the display is free and open to all ages, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse stories and artistry shaping our community today.  State of State It was an honor to attend my first—and the Walz-Flanagan team's last—State of the State. It was a memorable evening reflecting on the accomplishments we’ve achieved alongside this administration despite all the challenges. We have a lot to be proud of, especially the work we did to make Minnesota the best state to live and raise a family. Together, we are ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals, passing nation-leading child tax credits, implementing Paid Leave, and investing in clean energy to protect our natural resources. I was honored to share the experience with Jeremy Olson, who does incredible work as a registered nurse at HCMC.  Saving HCMC I cannot emphasize enough how detrimental it would be to our state and the Upper Midwest region if HCMC closes its doors. It would completely destabilize our entire healthcare system, forcing families to make impossible decisions regarding their loved ones and their livelihoods. To say it would be catastrophic is not hyperbole. Currently, Democrats have introduced a "Ballpark Tax" to raise revenue in Hennepin County, providing immediate relief to the hospital so it can stabilize. This is just one option on the table as conversations continue. Saving HCMC is a top priority. Lives are on the line, and we have to get serious about solutions to address a crisis of this magnitude. I’ll do everything in my power to support our healthcare professionals so they can continue providing essential, lifesaving care to Minnesotans and remain a regional asset. Common-Sense Corporate Accountability Measures There’s a trend we’re seeing at the Minnesota House that’s important to note: my colleagues and I have developed low or no-cost ideas to address issues like big corporations ripping you off, getting the most money off of you in the healthcare and housing industry, and buying politicians through election spending. These bills, from stopping companies from using AI to set unfair prices, to keeping energy price increases from going to CEO pay, to making health insurance more affordable and effective, have been blocked by the other side of the aisle. What we have is a status quo system where the largest corporations can do anything to us, jack up our prices, hurt consumers, and face no regulation. It’s not a free market, it’s a rigged one. I guarantee that if we had kept the common-sense accountability measures and fair taxes that both parties supported in the pre-Reagan era, we wouldn’t be facing the immense affordability challenges we’re facing today. I want you to know where I stand: I’m pro-Minnesotan, pro-economic opportunity, and pro-small business — and I think the big guys could use some rules around how much they grow their profit margin at Minnesotans’ expense. Stay Connected Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your State Representative. I will continue to work hard to ensure your voice and your passions are realized here in the House. Please continue to reach out to my office if you have any questions or want to discuss the issues that matter to you. You can also "follow" and "like" my new official Facebook page to stay up to date on the daily happenings at the Capitol. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.shelley.buck@house.mn.gov or 651-296-7807, and I will be happy to help. Pidamayayepi (thank you to all of you), Rep. Shelley Buck (Bdewakantunwan Dakota) Minnesota House of Representatives (47A) |