Legislative Update Friends, As we approach the final stretch of the legislative session, I want to share a few updates from the Capitol. Today marks the third and final legislative deadline, signaling the end of committee work on major policy bills. We’ve been deep into budget negotiations and I’m proud to report that we’ve made strong progress. Wrapping Up: Budget NegotiationsSince Monday, budget negotiations have been underway at the Capitol. While most of those discussions have now wrapped up, I want to assure you that House Republicans entered these talks with a clear and responsible framework, and we stayed true to its core goals. We began with a plan to reduce government spending, address the projected deficit, and reject the kind of reckless budgeting that led to last year’s $20 billion spending surge and the complete exhaustion of our $18 billion surplus. Throughout negotiations, I remained focused on protecting taxpayers, prioritizing funding for veterans, public safety, and the most vulnerable, and putting Minnesota back on a sustainable fiscal path. While final details are still being reviewed, I am proud of the work we have done to hold the line and ensure that this budget reflects the values and priorities of Minnesotans. I will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Fighting for Justice: Supporting Operation Not ForgottenOn Monday, I joined colleagues and advocates at a press conference focused on the federal response to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The surge of FBI personnel to assist in investigations is a long-overdue step forward, and I remain committed to ensuring justice and healing for Indigenous communities across our state. This initiative, called Operation Not Forgotten, includes the deployment of 60 federal agents to support investigations into unresolved violent crimes in Native communities. It builds on the earlier establishment of the Cold Case Task Force office for MMIP in Bloomington and represents a renewed federal commitment to addressing this crisis.  Veterans Day on the HillWednesday was Veterans Day on the Hill, and I stood proudly with fellow veterans, service members, and their families to advocate for those who have served. As a United States Marine, this day holds deep meaning for me, not just as a legislator, but as someone who understands the sacrifices that come with military service. The advocacy shown this week is a powerful reminder that every benefit our veterans and their families receive, state or federal, started as a piece of legislation. Progress does not come easily, and the process can be frustrating at times, but history shows that showing up works. Because of that persistence, Minnesota has opened new veterans homes, passed historic omnibus legislation, and expanded services that are changing lives. This session, I am proud to be part of the continued effort. Through our budget negotiations, we have increased funding to combat the veteran suicide epidemic and are building on the success we’ve had in reducing veterans homelessness. These are real results, but we are not done. I remain committed to pushing for the resources, respect, and support our veterans and their families have earned.    |