Rep. Gene Pelowski's 2023 Legislative Report

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for the honor of serving our area in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This year, for the first time in a decade, we were able to move past gridlock and work together to make some of the most robust investments in Minnesota’s families our state has ever seen. 

If there is anything I can do to be of service to you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact me.  

Sincerely, 

Gene Pelowski

State Representative, 26A

rep.gene.pelowski@house.mn.gov

651-296-8637

Investing in Higher Education

Minnesotans deserve a higher education system that is affordable, accessible, and prepares them for the workforce of tomorrow. As Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, we made historic investments to address the great need in higher education. This is an appropriate response to years of disinvestment.

We’re freezing tuition at Winona State University and Minnesota State College Southeast. Starting in fall 2024 we are providing free college to students coming from families that make under $80,000, providing scholarships to those pursuing high-demand jobs, and overall providing the support our institutions need. 

Preparing Minnesota for Emergencies

When disaster strikes, it’s crucial our state can act swiftly to help those who need it. As the author of the initial law that established Minnesota’s Disaster Assistance Contingency Account, I’ve led efforts to ensure the account remains adequately funded. This year, I passed legislation to invest $40 million in the account, ensuring aid is provided in the event of a natural disaster that strikes outside of the regular legislative session. This way, emergency funds can be delivered immediately upon disaster without waiting for legislative action.

Funding Winona’s Infrastructure Projects

As a member of the House Capital Investment Committee, I supported legislation for several local projects to be included in this year’s infrastructure bill, delivering $4.8 million to Winona State University for the Center for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in addition to asset preservation, $5 million to the City of Winona for the Mississippi Riverfront Trail, $7.5 million for the city’s Public Safety Center, and $18 million for the state’s Port Development Assistance Program.

I also authored legislation in our Tax Bill, enabling a local option sales tax for the Winona County Law Enforcement Center.

Local Investments

Local Government Aid Investments in 2024

• Winona County - $3.9 million
• City of Winona - $11.4 million
• City of Goodview - $588,000
• City of Rollingstone - $205,000
• City of Lewiston - $551,000

School Funding Increases for 2023, 2024

• Winona Area Public Schools $4.9 million
• Lewiston Altura Public Schools - $984 thousand

Winona’s Home & Community Options and the Winona Occupational Rehabilitation Center will also receive funding increases to support current programs and restore past program reductions.

A copy of this year's legislative report will be also be hitting mailboxes soon. You can get a closer look at it here.