Legislative UpdateWith just a few weeks remaining in the 2025 legislative session, things are moving quickly at the Capitol. We’re nearing the final stages of budget bill negotiations, and while there’s a lot happening behind the scenes, my focus remains the same: serving the people of our district. Whether it’s standing up for our farmers, advocating for infrastructure improvements, or pushing for commonsense policies, I’m working hard to make sure our priorities are heard and represented. Below is a quick look at what I’ve been working on this week. MCCL Student Day at the CapitolOn Monday, I had the privilege of meeting with students visiting the Capitol for MCCL’s Student Day. This event gives young Minnesotans a chance to engage in the legislative process and share their support for protecting the unborn. I especially enjoyed my conversation with Jada Weverka, an 8th grader from Hamburg who attends Central Middle School in Norwood Young America. It’s always encouraging to see the next generation speaking up for life and getting involved in civic leadership.  Three Rivers Park DistrictTuesday was Three Rivers Park District Day at the Capitol. They do great work promoting outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation across our region. One of the highlights of their visit is always the animals they bring along – this year, the goats and lambs stole the show! It’s a fun reminder of the importance of connecting people with nature and preserving Minnesota’s natural beauty.  Supporting the City of New AuburnOn Wednesday, I had the opportunity to present a bonding bill in the Capital Investment Committee on behalf of the City of New Auburn in Sibley County. This bill would help fund critical upgrades to the city’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure – improvements that are long overdue and vital to protecting public health and supporting local families. I was glad to stand alongside local leaders and advocate for this important investment in our rural communities. You can watch the committee hearing on my legislative facebook page!  Including my Legislation in the Final Local Government Policy Bill On Thursday, the House debated large budget and policy bills related to state and local government. I’m proud to share that my bill, House File 2231, was included in the package. This bill ensures that important public notices remain accessible by requiring them to be published in a qualified newspaper when available – and allowing for online publication when one is not. For rural and small-town communities, this helps protect transparency and keeps citizens informed, even when local print options are limited. Closing Weeks of SessionAs we near the end of the legislative session, it's clear that the pressure is on to finalize the state budget and address key issues facing Minnesotans. While much of the focus will be on these big decisions, I want to assure you that I'll continue working on behalf of our rural communities and making sure your voices are heard. Whether we're in session or not, I remain committed to listening to your concerns and fighting for policies that support rural Minnesota. |