Legislative Update The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our communities at the Capitol. With the House closely divided, progress this year will require thoughtful collaboration, steady leadership, and a focus on practical solutions that make a real difference for Minnesota families. This session, I will continue serving as Co-Vice Chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, as well as a member of the Capital Investment, Ethics, and Housing Finance and Policy Committees. These assignments allow me to stay directly involved in infrastructure planning, housing policy, ethical governance, and long term investments that support both our local communities and the entire state. My priorities this year center on affordability, responsible investment, and protecting the quality of life that makes Minnesota such a great place to live. I am working to reduce pressure on property taxes and lower costly vehicle fees like car tabs, while also advancing policies that protect clean water and expand access to the outdoors. I continue meeting with boots on the ground leaders including educators, local officials, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to address education priorities and food insecurity. In addition, I am developing several new fraud prevention measures that will be introduced later this session to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively. As always, your feedback guides my work. Please reach out anytime to share your priorities and ideas. University of Minnesota Pride and OpportunityMinnesota is home to one of the strongest higher education systems in the country. I recently met with leaders connected to the University of Minnesota to discuss how we can continue building opportunity for students while strengthening our workforce pipeline. Our state universities play a critical role in innovation, research, and preparing the next generation of leaders. We are exploring ways to attract more out of state students while also working with local businesses to incentivize hiring graduates here at home. Retaining talented young professionals in Minnesota strengthens our economy and supports long term growth across industries.  Working Toward a Cure for Parkinson’sI recently met with representatives from the Michael J. Fox Foundation to discuss the urgent need for continued research into Parkinson’s disease. Too many Minnesota families are impacted by this condition, and there is still much work to be done. Minnesota’s MedTech industry and healthcare innovation sector are nationally recognized. We have an opportunity to leverage that expertise to accelerate research, improve treatments, and ultimately help find a cure. Supporting innovation while improving patient outcomes is an area where Minnesota can lead.  Congratulations to Team USA HockeyMinnesota continues to produce world class athletes, and I want to congratulate both the U.S. Women’s and Men’s Hockey teams on incredible gold medal victories. In thrilling games against Canada, both teams secured gold in overtime, demonstrating resilience, determination, and the competitive spirit that defines American hockey. A special congratulations to Grace Zumwinkle, an Excelsior native, who helped lead the Women’s team to victory. Seeing Minnesota athletes compete and succeed on the world stage is something we can all take pride in.  Transportation Priorities and Safer RoadsAs Co-Vice Chair of Transportation Finance and Policy, my focus remains on safety, efficiency, and accountability in our transportation system. This includes working to secure funding for important safety improvements, including Highway 7, which continues to be a priority. I am also focused on creating more efficient project delivery by improving how MnDOT works with contractors across the state. By modernizing processes and increasing transparency in bidding, we can deliver projects more efficiently and make better use of taxpayer dollars. I also worked across the aisle with DFL Representative Larry Kraft on legislation addressing habitual speeding and improving roadway safety. It's still a work in progress but by bringing together automakers, safety advocates, parents, and community stakeholders, we're developing a practical and balanced approach aimed at making our streets safer. Road safety should not be a partisan issue, and I'm proud to help move this effort forward! Strengthening Oversight and AccountabilityOne of the most important conversations at the Capitol right now is how we strengthen oversight and restore accountability in state government. Minnesotans expect their tax dollars to be used responsibly and for programs to serve the people they were intended to help. When fraud or waste occurs, it undermines trust and diverts resources away from vulnerable individuals and families. Last session, Senate File 856 proposed creating an independent Office of the Inspector General to improve transparency, strengthen oversight, and provide meaningful tools to prevent fraud before it happens. The proposal received strong bipartisan support, passed the Senate, and was supported by the Governor. Unfortunately, it did not advance in the House. This week, the issue returned for discussion in the State Government Committee. The bill was brought forward with the framework from last session, but discussions continue about how the office should be structured. My focus remains on ensuring that any Inspector General office has the independence, clarity of purpose, and real authority needed to provide effective oversight and restore confidence in how taxpayer dollars are managed. Read more in the Fraud Monitor: [HERE]
Survey QuestionThank you to everyone who participated in my previous survey. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping my work at the Capitol and helps ensure I am representing the priorities of our community. In my last poll, I asked: "Which issues matter most to you and should be top priorities at the Capitol?" Here is how respondents answered: Infrastructure investments/improvements for our district - 15% Environment: protect and maintain our nature and landscape - 15% Improve transportation safety - 5% Increase funding for schools and youth mental health resources - 8% - Affordability: Lower car tab fees, Property tax reduction, Healthcare costs - 31%
- Other - 25%
I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their perspective. Hearing directly from you helps guide conversations as we work through important policy decisions this session. New Poll QuestionPublic safety remains one of the core responsibilities of state government, and I want to hear your thoughts. If funding for Public Safety and Emergency Services is increased, where would you like to see it allocated? Supporting local law enforcement and first responders Emergency medical services and ambulance funding Fire departments and rural emergency response Mental health crisis response and prevention Disaster preparedness and community resilience Share your input here:
[Feedback Poll] |