Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’ve entered the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session—and what a journey it’s been. What should have been a smooth final week has turned into a race to the finish, all due to a 23-day delay at the start of session when our Democrat colleagues stepped away from their responsibilities. Now, with the May 19 adjournment deadline quickly approaching, we’re working hard to finish strong. The good news? A global budget agreement is finally on the table. This framework—negotiated by caucus leaders and Governor Walz—sets the spending targets for the remaining budget bills. From here, the focus shifts to conference committees, where three House members and three Senators will work out the details. Some parts will come together quickly; others will take more negotiation. Either way, we’re ready to get it done. Here’s what I’m especially proud to report: House Republicans held the line—and we secured real wins for everyday Minnesotans. This budget includes the largest government spending cut in Minnesota history. We’ve eliminated nearly half of the structural deficit created when Democrats expanded government by 40% and raised taxes by $10 billion just two years ago. We’re cleaning up that mess—and we did it without raising taxes on hardworking families. Here are just a few of the highlights: Protected non-public pupil aid, supporting families who choose religious, charter, or homeschool education. Rolled back taxpayer-funded healthcare expansion for illegal immigrants—freezing enrollment immediately and ending adult coverage in 2026. Capped the payroll tax for Paid Family and Medical Leave, saving businesses an estimated $215 million. Stopped a hike in the Provider Tax, helping to keep healthcare more affordable. Blocked new sales and income tax increases that would have hurt working families. Saved taxpayers hundreds of millions by stopping the costly Northern Lights Express train to Duluth. Prevented burdensome mandates, unnecessary fee hikes, and millions in unaccountable nonprofit spending. There’s still work ahead, but I’m encouraged by how far we’ve come. These results show what happens when we stand firm, stay focused, and put Minnesotans first. Thank you, as always, for your support. It’s an honor to represent you and to fight every day for a stronger, more affordable Minnesota. Standing with Birthmothers Who Choose Life Tuesday on the House floor, my colleague Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar offered the A9 amendment to the Health, Children, and Families Finance Omnibus bill. Her goal? To shift taxpayer dollars away from bureaucracy at the Minnesota Department of Health and instead invest in meaningful support for birthmothers who choose life. As a mother who adopted three beautiful children, this one hit me right in the heart. I will never stop being in awe of the strength, courage, and selfless love it takes for a woman to choose life and make an adoption plan. It’s a choice that changes lives—mine included. These women deserve more than our thanks—they deserve to be seen, heard, and truly supported. Rep. Zeleznikar’s amendment wasn’t just about dollars and cents. It was about values. It was about recognizing the beauty and bravery in every birthmother’s story and making sure our public policy uplifts that. I’m proud to stand with her and fight for real options, real support, and real compassion. You can listen to my floor remarks [here]. Teamwork in Action: Tackling Taxes with County Leaders! This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with some incredible local leaders who share my passion for making Minnesota more affordable! Pictured here with Meeker County Commissioner Steve Schmitt and Wright County Commissioners Tina Diedrick, Darek Vetsch, Jeanne Holland, Nadine Schoen, and Kirby Maynagh — a powerhouse group committed to easing the tax burden on our counties. Together, we’re rolling up our sleeves to find smart, sustainable solutions that help families and businesses keep more of their hard-earned money. Stay tuned — affordable living is within our reach!   Protecting Our Classrooms: The Fight Isn’t Over YetAs a mom and a strong supporter of education, this issue is personal for me. Across Minnesota, schools are facing many challenges—tight budgets, staff layoffs, and a nonstop wave of mandates that make it harder for educators to focus on what really matters: our kids. Last session alone, Democrats pushed through more than 65 costly mandates that are now straining our school systems. Instead of putting money directly into classrooms or supporting teachers, they've expanded bureaucracy—sending more dollars to state agencies while local schools are left scrambling. Here’s the good news: House Republicans fought back and delivered real solutions. We protected nonpublic pupil aid—funding that supports students in religious, charter, and homeschool settings—and made sure parents still have the freedom to choose the best education for their kids. We also secured over $150 million in Basic Supplemental Aid, giving schools the flexibility they’ve been asking for to meet their unique needs. Even more importantly, we delivered mandate relief—like putting an end to the seasonal worker unemployment insurance mandate that was bankrupting schools. But we’re not out of the woods yet. The education finance bill is still in play, and some serious concerns remain on the table. House Republicans are standing firm to keep money flowing to classrooms—not bureaucrats—and to stop any new burdens that would make it harder for our schools to succeed. If you’re frustrated by what you’re seeing, I hear you. Please consider writing to your DFL legislative leaders and telling them to put students first. Our schools need flexibility, not more red tape—and every child deserves access to a safe, well-funded, and supportive learning environment. We’ll keep showing up and standing with our schools. I’ll keep fighting for our classrooms, our teachers, and most of all—our kids. You can watch my remarks [here]. A Special Visit from Congressman Tom Emmer We had a sweet surprise at caucus on Tuesday—Congressman Tom Emmer stopped by for a visit! His encouraging words were just what we needed as we head into the final stretch of session. It meant a lot to hear from someone who knows firsthand the ups and downs of public service and who continues to champion Minnesota values on the national stage. Grateful for the support—and for the chance to catch up with a familiar face! Faith & Fellowship at the Capitol I had the pleasure of welcoming the lead pastor, Dale Harris, from Highland Church in Cokato to the Capitol recently. We took some time to pray together and discuss the important happenings in our district. It was truly an encouraging visit, reminding me of the strength and faith that underpin our community.  The Final Stretch!As we head into the final days of the 2025 legislative session, we’re facing some big decisions at the Capitol—decisions that will affect every Minnesotan. I want you to know how much I value your voice, your input, and your trust during this important time. These aren’t easy choices, but my priorities remain clear: protecting our communities, holding government accountable, and putting people ahead of bureaucracy. Your voice matters now more than ever. Whether you’re concerned about education, economic opportunity, or the direction of our state, I want to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to call my office at 651-296-4228, email me at rep.dawn.gillman@house.mn.gov, or follow me on Facebook for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes moments from the House floor. It’s an honor to serve the people of District 17A. Together, even in tough moments, we can build a brighter future. Wishing you a peaceful weekend, Representative Dawn Gillman Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A |