Legislative Update: Leading Higher Education

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

Wow, thank you for the incredible honor of once again representing our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives - I’m so excited to get back to work delivering for St. Cloud!

With the election over, I’m now able to resume one of my favorite pastimes: writing your legislative updates. 

Here’s the latest as we prepare for a unique and historic session:

All Tied Up

This year’s election put the Minnesota House at a 67-67 tie! Something our state has only experienced one other time, in 1979! A lot of the logistical infrastructure will have to be made from scratch, and conversations between DFL and GOP leaders are ongoing as we set the stage for a different type of legislative session.

For my part, I won’t change a single thing about how I do my work. I always prioritize working across the aisle to deliver for our community. Since I was first elected in 2018, St. Cloud has sent one GOP and one DFL lawmaker to the Minnesota House, so bipartisan partnership has always been the basis of my work. I look forward to co-governing with my bipartisan seatmate, Rep. Bernie Perryman of District 14A.

Leading the Higher Education Committee

I am honored to share with you that I have been appointed to serve as the Co-Chair of the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee for the upcoming 2025-2026 Legislative Biennium!

After serving as Vice Chair for the committee in the previous biennium, I’m ready to hit the ground running and put Minnesota’s colleges and universities in the strongest possible position to prepare the students of today to be the workforce of tomorrow.

One of the main components of a tied House is tied committees, meaning that I’ll be co-chairing this committee alongside Republican Rep. Marion Rarick from Maple Lake. I’ve already been in contact with Rep. Rarick, and I look forward to working with her to run an efficient, bipartisan committee.

I will use this leadership position to be a champion for those who teach and learn at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, and every campus throughout our state. There is a direct connection between the vitality of campuses and the vitality of communities, and with 5 University of Minnesota campuses, 33 colleges and universities in the MinnState system, and 18 private nonprofit institutions throughout our state, I’m eager to get to work empowering them all!

Part of that empowerment is addressing the workforce crisis Minnesota is facing. Now is the time to break down barriers and build up opportunities in higher education so students can obtain the knowledge, skills, and training they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.

You can read more about our new committee co-chair structure here. There’s still a lot that needs to be worked out, including what other committees I’ll serve on, but I look forward to keeping you in the loop for what will be a very interesting couple of years in the Minnesota House. 

Free Park Day

It’s almost time for another one of Minnesota’s Free Park Days! Each season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources waives entrance fees for all of our beautiful state parks for a day, with the latest being this Friday, November 29.

I can think of no better way to spend quality family time (and burn off some pie calories) than exploring Minnesota’s great outdoors. Sure, we’re in for a cold Thanksgiving weekend, but we’re Minnesotans! Be sure to bundle up and have a fun time!

No matter where you end up this weekend for Thanksgiving, odds are there’s a state park nearby. You can check out the DNR’s interactive map to find the closest one to you. Stay warm! 

Thank You

Again, I cannot thank you enough for this incredible honor of representing you at the State Capitol. When my family gathers around the table this week, I’ll be thankful for them, their health, and the opportunity to work for our community at the Capitol. Thank you for reading this latest update, and be sure to keep in touch!

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Skol Vikings!!!! 

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

District 14B