Legislative Update Dear Northlanders, First, my heart is heavy in the wake of the devastating wildfires impacting Ault and Fairbanks Townships. I extend my deepest apologies to those affected by the destruction and disruption these fires have caused. The loss and uncertainty so many are facing is unimaginable, and I want you to know that you are not alone I will support you every step of the way. This week I witnessed the heartbreaking damage firsthand during my visit to Brimson alongside St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and Representative Roger Skraba. We met with local residents and emergency responders at Hugo’s Bar, a vital 24-hour hub for supplies and community connection. It was very inspiring to see everyone coming together during this time of need. We are incredibly grateful to the brave firefighters, township leaders, and neighboring communities who have stepped up in this time of need. Your strength and resilience inspire us, and we remain committed to standing with you as recovery efforts continue. If you are able to help support recovery and clean up efforts, you can scan the QR code below. Thank you for your support and I am very proud to represent our community.    Thank you to all the firefighters helping out community!  Grateful for Hugo's Bar Budget NegotiationsThursday we received the negotiated budget targets between legislative leaders and Governor Walz. The targets represent a major step forward in the state’s budget process. While these targets form the framework of the overall deal, they primarily outline funding levels, leaving most policy decisions to be finalized in conference committees. The bulk of negotiations now shift to those committees, where the legislators will work through the details. Importantly, this budget deal includes the largest cut to government spending in Minnesota’s history. It eliminates nearly half of the structural deficit created by Democrats after they expanded government spending by 40% and increased taxes by $10 billion just two years ago. Key GOP wins include maintaining funding for non-public education options, a near-total repeal of illegal immigrant healthcare coverage and blocking a proposed increase to the provider tax. Additionally, the budget stops the costly Northern Lights Express train project, updates the Social Services Information System (SSIS) to save counties money, and extends measures to keep health insurance premiums affordable for individuals. Simply put, Republicans are cleaning up the fiscal mess left behind by one-party DFL control and putting Minnesota back on a path of responsible governance. Click here to watch the video below.  Visitors and Time in Community Spending time at the Capitol with Lake County Commissioner Rich Sve on issues that affect the counties.  While visiting Brimson fire site- I ran into an instrumental trainer of the bill I wrote for 100,000 to Lake of ambulance for high school students to be trained for free to be an EMT in Two Harbors. There are five students in the program and this is a great success story to ensure Northern MN has more trained professionals for our ambulance team.  Congressman Emmer visited the Capitol to greet House members.  Time in community at Frendenberg volunteer fire department pancake breakfast.  Time at the Capitol with Chaplains who stopped to pray with me.  Hermantown Middle School students visited the Capitol and together we walked into the chamber and went up to the gallery for an amazing view.  Time with students and schools rallying to ensure private school students keep their nurses and transportation to schools.  Time to bake when home to bring treats back to St. Paul to thanks the janitors and others. There are only a few days left in the legislative session and we have much left to do, but us House Republicans keep working hard for you. Since it is the last weekend, we will be in St. Paul both Saturday and Sunday so that we can complete as much business as possible before adjournment on Monday. We are certainly in a time crunch, which was not helped by the Democrat's boycott at the beginning of session, but I am optimistic that we will be able to wrap up in the next week! |