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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bianca Virnig (DFL)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Bianca Virnig

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
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Dear Neighbors,  

This year, even with a closely divided Legislature, we passed strong anti-fraud measures to protect taxpayer dollars and hold criminals accountable. We also passed critical bipartisan legislation to save Hennepin County Medical Center, invest in infrastructure, increase property tax refunds, and reduce tab fees. As part of our Jobs and Infrastructure package, I secured funding for both the Mendota Heights Police Station and City Hall. I also secured a fund transfer for ISD197 and fought to improve lead emissions monitoring in Eagan. 

As your State Representative, my goal is to bring a mom-tested perspective to public service that meets people where they are. We delivered funding for suicide prevention barriers on bridges and a long-term plan for future prevention measures. I advocated for bills to ban assault weapons, promote safe storage, and fund mental health. Though Republicans blocked these, we successfully passed an Anonymous Threat Reporting requirement for all schools. 

It is disappointing and frustrating that so much progress was blocked on gun violence prevention and responses to Operation Metro Surge. Minnesotans are demanding meaningful action, and we’ll keep fighting for the common-sense measures our communities deserve.  

The status quo of inaction cannot continue. Next session I will continue to fight for improving access to health care, additional funding for school-based health centers, and even better lead emissions monitoring.  

 

New Laws

On July 1st, many new laws from the 2026 legislative session took effect. Some highlights include my bill on IT modernization for county human services, helping schools establish anonymous threat reporting systems so students and families can safely report concerning behavior, implementing a mandatory social media mental health warning, and funding for the Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop in Dakota County. You can find a list of the new laws and summaries here

 

Community Spotlight

Events

  • On Wednesday, July 15th, residents can bring soil samples to the Eagan Market Fest to screen for lead. More information can be found here
  • The Mendota Heights Food Truck Fest is happening August 7th from 4:30 – 8pm. To learn more visit the event site. 

Resources

If you or a loved one could benefit from assistive technology, check out the Minnesota STAR Program and MnAT4All. These free statewide resources help Minnesotans access mobility aids, communication devices, vision and hearing technology, and other assistive equipment through device loans, demonstrations, donations, and affordable used equipment. It's a great way to find the right tools without the high cost. 

 

Summer Eats

The corn was definitely knee-high by the 4th of July and soon we will be seeing fresh picked corn available at the market.

Here is one of our favorite summer recipes: AvocadoCorn Salad!

Avocado Corn Salad

 

Stay Connected

This is the final newsletter you’ll receive from me until 2027. Minnesota law requires that certain official communications halt 60 days after legislative adjournment in election years to not give an unfair advantage to incumbents. However, you can still reach out to my office with any questions, comments, and concerns. 

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out by email at rep.bianca.virnig@house.mn.gov, or by phone at 651-296-4192. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Spencer, at 651-297-8129 or at spencer.crose@house.mn.gov.  

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol. 

  

All my best, 

Bianca Virnig 

State Representative