Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It has been an exciting week here at the Capitol, we are back in session and getting to work for the people of Minnesota! Committees are in full swing, and we’re hearing bills once again—despite unnecessary delays caused by the Supreme Court’s ruling on quorum requirements. We’ve hit the ground running with major hearings focused on stopping fraud, lowering every day costs, and keeping our communities safe. Minnesotans deserve leadership that works for them—I am excited to keep pushing forward, working with both sides of the aisle to get Minnesota back on track! I’ll be sharing more updates as the session progresses—stay informed and engaged by following me on Facebook here! Honoring Our Fallen Heros On Monday, I had the honor of speaking in remembrance of Firefighter/Paramedic Finseth and Officers Elmstrand and Ruge—brave heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our community. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy will live on in the hearts of those they touched. To their families, friends, and fellow first responders—we stand with you, we support you, and we honor their memory alongside you. Their service and courage will always be remembered. Click the image above to watch my full speech. Standing with Our First Responders Every day, Minnesota’s first responders rush toward danger to protect our communities. They see the worst moments of people’s lives and carry those experiences with them long after their shift ends. The weight of that responsibility can take a serious toll, and too often, these heroes don’t get the mental health support they need. That’s why I’m proud to support new bipartisan efforts to expand mental health services for first responders. This initiative will strengthen peer support programs, improve access to care, and ensure those who sacrifice so much for us have the resources they need to heal. Our firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency responders show up for us in our hardest moments. Now, it’s our turn to show up for them. By making mental health support more accessible, we can honor their service in a way that truly matters. Let’s keep working together to make Minnesota a place where those who protect us are protected, too. You can watch the full KSTP news story here. Celebrating School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! This week, we recognize the dedicated professionals who ensure our children get to and from school safely each day. Minnesota’s school bus drivers transport 682,000 students daily—a responsibility that requires patience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to safety. I had the pleasure of meeting Kathryn Forbord from Schmitty & Sons Bus Co., and it was a wonderful reminder of the care and dedication our bus drivers bring to their work. These hardworking individuals brave early mornings, unpredictable weather, and busy roads to serve our communities. To all the school bus drivers in Lakeville and beyond—thank you! Your service does not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for all you do. If you see a school bus driver this week, take a moment to say thank you! Lakeville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cohort Visits the Capitol! It was a fantastic day at the Capitol as Senator Zach Duckworth and I had the privilege of meeting with the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cohort. These business leaders are the backbone of our community, and it was an honor to listen, learn, and discuss the issues that matter most to them. From workforce challenges to economic growth, we had great conversations about how we can work together to support Minnesota businesses and keep our local economy thriving. Open dialogue like this is key to making a real difference, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with such passionate leaders. A big thank you to the Chamber for organizing this visit—let’s keep the momentum going! Stay ConnectedYour thoughts, questions, and ideas are what keep me going! If there's something on your mind—whether it's about these bills or something else—please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can always reach me by phone or email at rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov. It’s a true honor to represent you at the Capitol. Together, let’s keep making Minnesota a better place—one idea at a time! Take care, Representative Jeff Witte Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |