Legislative Update Dear friends and neighbors, With just three weeks remaining in the 2026 legislative session, the pace at the Capitol has officially shifted from a jog to a sprint. Last week marked our third and final legislative deadline, which means every bill still in play has made it through committee. In other words, it is crunch time. I also want to take a moment to say thank you. The calls, emails, and conversations I’ve had with so many of you truly shape the work we do here. Case in point—just last Thursday, a constituent reached out with critical safety concerns about the Willard Munger Trail. By a bit of luck (and a lot of persistence), we were able to secure a hearing for that bill on Tuesday. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who recognized the urgency and helped make that happen.  The Willard Munger State Trail stretches over 70 miles from Hinckley to Duluth—one of Minnesota’s oldest and most treasured outdoor gems. House File 4796 would have directed funding to the Department of Natural Resources to design and construct much-needed rehabilitation and safety improvements along the trail system. The reality is, this trail has been around for nearly 40 years and there hasn’t been a full reconstruction project done on it since 2011, over a decade ago. That’s a long time for infrastructure that so many Minnesotans rely on and enjoy. While the bill did not ultimately pass out of committee, the experience itself says a lot. A single conversation turned into a hearing in the final stretch of session—that’s almost unheard of. It’s proof that your voice carries more weight than you might think. Thank you for continuing to reach out, share what matters to you; and for trusting me to carry your voice with me at the Capitol. Fixing the Fine Print for Minnesota Dairy Farmers I am happy to report that my bill, House File 3508, has passed the Minnesota House with strong bipartisan support in a 129–4 vote and is now headed to the Governor’s desk. This legislation makes an essential update to Minnesota’s Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program to better serve the farmers it was designed to help. The DAIRI program supports dairy producers who participate in the federal Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which helps offset losses when milk prices fall and feed costs rise. But in recent years, federal enrollment timing issues unintentionally left some farmers—especially new and beginning dairy operations—without access to these supports. That’s not how the program was meant to work. House File 3508 fixes this by allowing eligibility to be based on a farmer’s actual production history through the federal program, rather than a single, outdated benchmark year. It also ensures that remaining program dollars can be used as intended—to support active dairy producers across Minnesota. As I’ve said on the House floor, this is a straightforward fix. If you’re investing in your farm, putting in the work every day, and contributing to Minnesota’s ag economy, you shouldn’t be left out because of a technicality in timing. At a time when dairy farmers are facing rising costs and tight margins, this change helps ensure our programs reflect the real-world challenges they are dealing with. It’s also expected to extend eligibility to roughly 30 to 40 additional dairy farms—many of them new or first-generation operations trying to get established. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support behind this bill. Supporting Minnesota’s farmers shouldn’t be a partisan issue—it’s about making sure our policies actually work for the people they were designed to serve. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law. Taking Flight with the Civil Air Patrol I’m excited to share that I received my 2026 Civil Air Patrol membership certificate this week, as part of the Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron. A big thank you to Jason Suby for coming down to the Capitol to present the certificate, along with Capt. Tami Ekstrand and Col. Kevin Sliwinski. I truly appreciate them taking the time to share more about the incredible work CAP is doing across Minnesota. If you’re not familiar, the Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force and plays a critical role in emergency services like search and rescue, disaster response, and homeland security. They also lead aerospace education efforts and run a cadet program that helps shape the next generation of leaders. Here in Minnesota, CAP has more than 1,600 dedicated volunteers and 18 aircraft supporting missions statewide. What makes the Legislative Squadron especially unique is that it brings together leaders from across the aisle—including all 10 members of Congress, the Governor, and more than 80 members of the Minnesota Legislature—in a shared commitment to service, leadership, and readiness. I’m looking forward to getting more involved with a local unit, connecting with members, and supporting the mission in any way I can. It’s an incredible organization doing meaningful, boots-on-the-ground work, and I’m honored to be a part of it! A Promise That Doesn’t Expire It was truly an honor to sit down with veterans from Pine County this week—men and women whose service continues to shape our communities long after their time in uniform. Our conversation covered a range of important issues, from rising property taxes and the growing threat of “claim sharks,” to the heartbreaking reality of veteran suicide. Each topic carried weight, but more than anything, it was a reminder that our responsibility to those who served does not end when they return home. One issue that stood out in particular was the Major Richard Star Act. This legislation seeks to correct a longstanding injustice for veterans who were medically retired due to combat-related injuries. Right now, these individuals are forced to give up a portion of the retirement pay they earned in order to receive their disability compensation. It’s a policy that simply doesn’t reflect the depth of their sacrifice. When a service member is wounded in the line of duty, their life is forever changed, but their commitment to our country never wavers. Our commitment to them shouldn’t waver either. Supporting efforts like the Major Richard Star Act is one way we can begin to honor that promise, ensuring that those who gave so much are not asked to give even more once they return home.  The Finish Line Is in Sight—Let's Stay Connected!Many of you know the drill at this point, but as we head into the final few weeks of session, your voice is as important as ever. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I am focused on making life in District 11B better, and that includes making it more affordable for you and your family. I promise to continue working every day to serve our community to the very best of my ability. I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share concerns, offer ideas, and partner with me to improve life across our district. You can always reach me at rep.nathan.nelson@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.0518. Until next time, — Representative Nathan Nelson |