Dear Neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session has finally started, after perhaps the most difficult interim in state history. Below I share thoughts on some of the events of the interim. In particular, I describe bill packages that I am supporting in response to three concerns: Operation Metro Surge, gun violence, and fraud by private actors in public programs. Before getting to all of that, I want to highlight an opportunity to connect that is coming up on Saturday.
Chat with Dave – Saturday at 1:00pm
The first "Chat with Dave" of the session will be held this Saturday, February 28 at 1:00pm at the Palace Community Center (781 Palace Ave.). This is an informal conversation among constituents about the issues in this year's session. Please join us!
Operation Metro Surge
The “surge” – the largest concentration of federal immigration agents in history – has been devastating for our state and our residents. It has involved widespread and well-documented violations of rights, for U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike, and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. It has been grounded in dishonesty and in defiance of the rule of law. It has been inhumane and cruel.
Our state’s response to this has been the opposite – a shining demonstration of care. Our neighbors have delivered meals, protected schools, provided rides, and observed and documented ICE activity. We’ve forced a federal retreat, and we’ve inspired the country and the world. I couldn’t be more proud.
My House DFL colleagues and I have introduced a suite of bills in response to federal immigration actions, with other bills to come. This article has a good summary of the first set of 11 bills. Of them, I’m coauthoring two: one would allow Minnesotans to vindicate their federal constitutional rights in state court, the other would clarify when agents can wear masks.
In addition to all of its other harms, Operation Metro Surge has also wreaked havoc on Minnesota’s economy and workforce. As co-chair of the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, I dedicated our first hearing of the session to this important issue. We heard accounts from all over the state about the devastating impact on small businesses, especially – an estimated weekly loss of $80 million statewide. You can view my closing comments here. It will be critical for the state to support these businesses and the workers and communities connected to them.
Preventing Gun Violence
Two empty school desks currently sit in a corridor of the State Capitol. They belonged to Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, whose lives were taken last August at Annunciation Catholic Church. Since this tragedy, we’ve continued to hear directly from survivors of gun violence and loved ones of those who’ve been lost, calling for action to prevent more heartbreaking losses in the future.
The generation of Minnesotans currently coming of age doesn’t deserve to accept the deadly consequences of gun violence as normal. To make that goal a reality, my House DFL colleagues and I are advancing a series of proposals, including bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and “binary triggers,” as well as requiring the safe storage and the reporting of lost or stolen guns. Among these proposals are two from me. One would regulate so-called “ghost guns” (those without serial numbers). The other would expand local authority to address gun violence. (All of this expands on the laws that I’ve previously authored for criminal background checks and red-flag orders, both of which are working well and saving lives.)
Research, as well as experience in other states, shows that these proposed policies would help in saving lives, and they are broadly supported by Minnesotans. Several have already received votes in House committees. I’m sorry to report that so far Republicans have voted uniformly against them, stalling them in the tied House. But it would take only one of them to join us to move any of these policies forward. We will continue to push to find that lone vote, in the names not only of Fletcher and Harper, but of the many, many others who have lost their lives or their loved ones to guns.
Addressing Fraud
Fraudsters stealing from public programs for private gain is unacceptable; every dollar ripped off is one meant to help a Minnesotan lead a better life. As DFL Lead on the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, and as a prosecutor outside of the Legislature, this issue has been a particular focus for me. A variety of reforms have been enacted in recent years, but there’s much more to do. My DFL colleagues and I recently announced a series of proposals to hold fraudsters accountable, strengthen oversight and accountability, update obsolete IT systems, and examine how services are delivered.
Ford Plant Area C
For decades, hazardous waste was dumped at "Area C" of the former Ford Plant property (now Highland Bridge), only feet from one of the world's great rivers. Senator Murphy and I recently sent this letter to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency urging full cleanup of this critical site. Community members have been loud and clear: We must have a long-term solution that protects health, water, habitat, and more for future generations.
Tribute to the Hortmans
The legislative interim started on June 9. It was only a few days later that Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were assassinated, Sen. John Hoffman and his family were attacked in their home, and other legislators and family members were targeted. The first day of the session on February 17 was the first time that the Legislature had convened since these events. Among other things, we joined together in bipartisan fashion to pay tribute to the Hortmans. I continue to be moved by the strength of their children, Colin and Sophie, who called on us all to “do something” to better our communities, and to stand up for justice and peace, in memory of their parents. May that call continue to inspire us all this legislative session and beyond.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community, state, and country,
 | | State Representative Dave Pinto (he/him)
Co-chair, Workforce, Labor, & Economic Development Finance & Policy Committee
DFL Lead, Fraud Prevention & Agency Oversight Committee
rep.dave.pinto@house.mn.gov
(651) 296-4199
#EverybodyIn |