July 2026 Legislative Update Dear Northlanders, Summer certainly arrived this year, but unfortunately so did devastating wildfires across northern Minnesota. As I write this, fires continue to burn near Ely and the Boundary Waters, while smoke has impacted much of the Northland and kept many families indoors. Please join me in praying for our firefighters, first responders, and the families who have lost homes or cabins. Once again, our communities have demonstrated incredible generosity by supporting neighbors during difficult times. While we all enjoy the summer sunshine, we are also hoping for much-needed rain. Working Throughout District 3B With the legislative session complete, I have been traveling throughout the district meeting with local governments, businesses, health care providers, and residents. Here are a few of the issues I've been focused on this summer. Protecting Health Care Services One of my top priorities has been helping providers through Minnesota's revalidation process for 13 Medical Assistance programs. These federal requirements, including documentation, billing verification, and site visits, are necessary to maintain Minnesota's 50 percent federal Medicaid match and strengthen program integrity after an estimated $9 billion in fraudulent Medicaid billings by sham companies that never served vulnerable Minnesotans. Unfortunately, several long-standing providers in northeastern Minnesota completed their paperwork but were unable to receive state site visits before the deadline. As a result, they were temporarily terminated from billing despite continuing to provide essential services. In June, I held a press conference in Hermantown with providers and families affected by these delays. Following increased public attention, the Department of Human Services extended the appeals process. I continue working directly with Acting Commissioner Connolly to develop practical solutions. After spending more than 30 years serving vulnerable adults, I understand how delayed state payments can quickly lead to layoffs, service reductions, and fewer transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Reliable non-emergency transportation remains essential for dialysis, chemotherapy, wound care, and other critical medical appointments. If providers disappear, more residents will rely on ambulances for routine transportation, placing additional strain on our EMS system and local hospitals. Helping Wildfire Victims Recover I have continued working with families, impacted by both the Brimson Fire and the Stewart Trail Fire near Silver Bay. I'm pleased the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board secured funding to assist those who lost property: - $250,000 for Brimson Fire recovery.
- $150,000 for Stewart Trail Fire recovery.
Applications are expected to open in mid-August through St. Louis and Lake Counties. These funds can help cover expenses such as septic replacement, hazardous tree removal, and other recovery costs. Investing in Regional Infrastructure It was an honor to attend the groundbreaking for the new air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport. I authored the legislation that secured funding for this project. The existing tower is 75 years old and the third-oldest operating control tower in the United States, making this an important investment in aviation safety and our region's economic future. In addition, I was honored to pass legislation to secure critical infrastructure dollars for Rice Lake and Proctor for utility extensions as well as the Northshore sanitary sewer project starting at Knife River to protect Lake Superior from sewage. Learning New Ideas for Aging Minnesotans In June, I was honored to attend a national aging policy conference with legislators from across the country to discuss senior housing, transportation, workforce shortages, and health care. I was especially excited to share Minnesota's new MN Nice Home share pilot program that I authored this session. The program allows seniors in St. Louis and Lake Counties to rent a room in their home, providing additional income while creating affordable housing opportunities. Similar programs have been successful in other states, and I look forward to seeing it launch here in northeastern Minnesota. Dollars & Sense Promise Act Under Scrutiny: Recent investigations continue to raise concerns regarding Minnesota's $100 million Promise Act grant program. As a member of the House Labor & Workforce Committee, I raised concerns during committee hearings about accountability and oversight before session ended. Unfortunately, those concerns were largely dismissed. Minnesotans deserve confidence that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. Strong oversight and accountability remain essential to maintaining public trust, and leadership always begins at the top. Paid Family & Medical Leave: Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave program began in January after the state invested approximately $668 million to establish the program. The current payroll tax totals 0.88% of wages, split equally between employers and employees. Eligible employees may receive up to 20 weeks of combined paid leave annually. Early reports indicate participation is higher than originally projected. During committee hearings, Republicans repeatedly asked what would happen if program costs exceeded estimates. Under current law, DEED may increase the payroll tax up to 1.1% without additional legislative approval. Current Employee Cost (0.44%) Annual Salary Annual Employee Contribution $50,000 $220 $100,000 $440 $150,000 $660 If Employee Share Increased to 0.55% Annual Salary Annual Contribution Increase $50,000 $275 +$55 $100,000 $550 +$110 $150,000 $825 +$165 Many constituents have shared that higher payroll taxes, combined with rising costs for groceries, utilities, insurance, and housing, have significantly reduced the value of recent wage increases. While many support helping families during difficult times, many are also asking whether this funding model is sustainable for the future. Enjoy the Rest of Summer One of my favorite summertime traditions is stopping at neighborhood lemonade stands. These young entrepreneurs learn valuable lessons in math, communication, responsibility, customer service, and hard work skills that will benefit them for years to come. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Representative. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me. Hearing directly from constituents helps me better represent our communities at the Capitol. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and I look forward to seeing many of you throughout District 3B. Warm regards, Representative Natalie Zeleznikar Minnesota House District 3B  Visiting open arms assisted living in Rice Lake for annual car show and dinner.  Two Harbors fire department pancake breakfast fundraiser.  Time at Waterview shores nursing home for car show in Two Harbors.  Time Two Harbors for water treatment plant upgrades.  Spending time with my Grandson.  Time at breezy point 5K fundraiser for MN teen challenge.  Time in Nature  Time at Gary new Duluth annual event at skatepark.  Congratulations!  Time at data center information session in Hermantown.  Time inspecting new state funded ATV trail investments.  Love supporting future entrepreneurs! |