Legislative Update With only 10 days left in the legislative session, the feeling at the Capitol is urgency. My focus remains the same: working on practical solutions, pushing for responsible spending, and making sure our communities have a strong voice in the final days of session.  School Trust Land Bill This week, the House passed House File 3900, a bill I was proud to coauthor. The bill helps create another funding stream for Minnesota schools through the Permanent School Fund and school trust lands. At a time when schools are facing roughly $300 million in coming cuts and budget pressures, we need to be looking for every responsible option available. This bill isn’t a fix-all, but it’s a good step. It helps support classrooms without raising taxes, creating another mandate, or telling local schools exactly how every dollar must be spent. I’ve worked hard this session to support ideas like this because our schools need flexibility. They need resources that can help reduce class sizes, support educators, strengthen classroom materials, and meet the needs of students in ways that make sense locally.  Protecting Our Communities I was proud to support two bipartisan public safety bills aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. Both bills passed the House and are now headed to the Senate, where they are expected to pass. House File 4075 strengthens firearm restrictions involving domestic abusers and certain court orders. We all agree that people who pose a serious threat to their families or communities should not have access to firearms. House File 3762 helps make sure firearm permit decisions are based on complete information. If someone’s firearm rights have not been restored, law enforcement should be able to see that before deciding whether that person is eligible to possess or carry a firearm. These are the kinds of issues where we should be able to work together. I’ll continue supporting responsible, bipartisan efforts that protect our communities, respect law enforcement, and focus on people who have shown they are a danger to others. Bonding Update We are continuing discussions on a bonding bill that may be around $1 billion. This week, I met with the Governor’s Chief of Staff to advocate for projects in our community, with a strong focus on water, roads, sewer, and transportation. Bonding bills require a supermajority vote, which means they cannot pass unless Republicans and Democrats work together. I’m going to work with anyone, regardless of party, to make sure our district is not left behind and that much-needed local infrastructure projects are taken seriously. Poll Results Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in these weekly polls. I’m excited to share that we topped our previous record for responses. These surveys are a helpful way for me to hear directly from you on the issues being debated at the Capitol. Last week, I asked: From what you know about data centers, do you support building them in Minnesota? The response was a perfect 50/50 split. That tells me we need to spend more time on this issue before moving forward with any plan. Data centers bring real questions around energy, water, infrastructure, jobs, and local control. I want to make sure we have a plan that works for our district before the state moves too quickly. I also asked: Given the state of Minnesota’s education system in recent years, do you believe funding is the primary issue? A strong majority said no, and I agree. Funding matters, but it’s not the only issue. That’s why I continue to support flexible funding, mandate relief, and local control. We have resources in the system, but schools know best how to use them. Too often, decisions made miles away in St. Paul make it harder for local educators, school boards, and parents to do what’s right for students. Another question was: Do you think law enforcement staffing shortages are primarily due to compensation shortfalls? More than 90 percent said no. Many of you pointed to a lack of support, weak follow-through in the justice system, and open hostility toward law enforcement from some elected officials and members of the public. I hear that concern, and I share it. We cannot recruit and retain good people if they do not feel supported in doing the job. I also asked: Should Minnesota prioritize reducing government spending over creating new programs? Once again, more than 90 percent said yes. That is a clear message. Before state government creates new programs or asks taxpayers for more, we need to take a hard look at what we are already spending and whether those dollars are being used well. Finally, I asked: Do you support requiring social media companies to report credible threats of violence to law enforcement? Eighty-six percent of respondents said yes. I agree, and that’s why I drafted House File 4423.If a social media company becomes aware of a credible threat of violence, especially involving a school or place of worship, law enforcement should be notified. We should not wait until after a tragedy to act. Weekly Poll Questions With limited time left in the legislative session, lawmakers have scarce time to act. This week’s question is: Do you support funding legislators' security at a cost of $12 million or do you believe it would be better spent on school safety? Bringing Community Together One thing I’ve pushed for all session is the need for open and honest conversation. Better solutions come from listening to people directly, not just talking inside the Capitol. This session, I’ve heard from labor, industry, parents, students, educators, school board members, mental health counselors, environmental advocates, local officials, and many others. I’m grateful to everyone who has taken the time to show up, share their story, and push for something better. We will not agree on everything, but we can still work together. That is how we build trust, solve problems, and make sure our communities are represented well. |