Legislative Update Dear Neighbors, Well… if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Minnesota weather likes to keep us on our toes. Just when it felt like spring might finally be within reach, Mother Nature had other plans—dropping a not-so-subtle 18 inches of snow on us over the weekend. But in true Minnesota fashion, we didn’t miss a beat. Then, almost right on cue after St. Patrick’s Day, it seems the luck of the Irish kicked in—because now we’re heading into the weekend with sunshine and mid-70s. Only in Minnesota can you go from snow boots to sunglasses in a matter of days! I’ll never quite understand our weather patterns, but I will happily take the sunshine (and give my snow boots a well-deserved break). Now, let’s get into what’s been happening at the Capitol this week! Shutting Down a Broken SystemI am pleased to announce that on Monday, the House took decisive action to protect taxpayer dollars by passing Representative Joe Schomacker’s bipartisan legislation to eliminate the deeply flawed Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program from state law. This program, originally intended to help vulnerable Minnesotans, instead became a magnet for fraud—costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in a scheme comparable to the ??????? of Feeding Our Future. Rather than delivering support to those in need, the program exposed serious failures in oversight and accountability. Time and again, we’ve seen what happens when safeguards aren’t strong enough. From Feeding Our Future to HSS, Minnesotans have been left footing the bill while bad actors take advantage of broken systems. That’s why this vote matters. Moving forward, any program we pass must be built with strong fraud prevention measures from the start—because protecting public dollars isn’t optional, it’s our responsibility. Expanding Access to Care—A Smarter, Simpler Approach This week, I was excited to see a bill I introduced last session take an important step forward with a hearing in the House Commerce Committee—and I’m looking forward to pushing it across the finish line. This legislation establishes direct primary care (DPC) service agreements in Minnesota, creating a more straightforward and transparent option for accessing everyday health care. At its core, direct primary care allows patients to pay a simple monthly fee of $50 directly to their provider for routine care—things like checkups, basic labs, and common treatments—without going through traditional insurance for those services. This bill makes it clear that these agreements are not insurance, cutting through red tape and making it easier for providers to offer this model. It also puts strong guardrails in place to protect patients. Agreements must be in writing, clearly outline services and costs, and cannot automatically renew. Patients can cancel at any time, and providers are required to be upfront and transparent about what’s included. Importantly, this bill ensures fairness by prohibiting providers from charging different rates based on a patient’s health status, and it requires proper handling of any prepaid fees. This is about giving Minnesotans more options, more transparency, and more control over their health care—while supporting providers who want to deliver care in a more personal and accessible way. I’m grateful to see this bill moving again and look forward to continuing the work to get it across the finish line. Recovery, Resilience, and the Power of Second ChancesOn Wednesday, I had the opportunity to stand alongside some truly incredible individuals for Recovery Day on the Hill; people who have faced real challenges, put in the hard work, and continue choosing recovery each and every day. This advocacy area is deeply personal to me. Listening to these stories isn’t something you just hear and move on from, it stays with you. It reminds you that behind every policy discussion are real people, real families, and real journeys filled with both heartbreak and incredible strength. And the hope? It’s real—and it’s growing. I was reminded that healing is possible. That people are enough exactly as they are. That on the other side of the hard work, there are healthier, more authentic lives waiting—and that is something worth fighting for. To everyone in recovery, to those walking alongside loved ones, and to the support staff who show up every single day with compassion and care—thank you. Truly. Your courage and your willingness to keep going, even on the hardest days, is something I have so much respect for. We closed the rally with a prayer that continues to resonate: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. There is still more work to do—but if there’s one thing I took away from Wednesday, it’s this: hope is alive, recovery is possible, and no one has to walk this road alone.  A Week of Work for MinnesotaWorking Together for Minnesota Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking on a bipartisan panel alongside Representative Heather Keeler and Representative Luke Frederick. We had a great conversation about what’s happening at the Capitol, and the turnout was incredible—with over 300 people in attendance. I’m always grateful for opportunities like this to work across the aisle and connect directly with Minnesotans. It’s a great reminder that, at the end of the day, collaboration is not only possible, it’s necessary to get things done for the people we serve. Boots on the Ground, Making a Difference Had a great visit with Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District! Its always a pleasure connecting with folks who are on the front lines of protecting our land, supporting our farmers, and making sure our natural resources are managed the right way for future generations. Appreciate the time, the conversation, and the work you do every day to keep Minnesota thriving—boots on the ground and making a real difference! Future Leaders on the Rise It was such a pleasure meeting with the Hutchinson Leadership Institute 1.0 group this week, what a fantastic group of future leaders! You could feel the energy, the passion, and the commitment to their community right away. Programs like this are doing incredible work to grow strong, engaged leaders, and it’s always so refreshing to connect with people who are eager to learn, lead, and make a difference. Grateful for the time together and safe to say, Hutchinson’s future is in very good hands!  Fighting for District 17A, Every Step of the WayAs we head into the second half of the legislative session, I want you to know that you and your families are top of mind in every decision I make. In politics, talk can be cheap, but when it comes to affordability for Minnesota families, that’s not something I’m willing to compromise on. You have my commitment that I will continue working to support responsible policies and push back against proposals that make life more expensive for Minnesotans. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. I truly appreciate hearing from you. Have a great weekend & enjoy the sunshine! — Representative Dawn Gillman |