Legislative Update
Friends,
Week two is coming to a close and debate is heating up here in St. Paul. This is not unexpected but in truth, it is disappointing. Much of what we are trying to pass is hard to see as controversial. Much of what we are trying to stop is blatantly unconstitutional.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We have a responsibility to deliver school safety solutions, put an end to the rampant fraud in state programs, and protect the constitutional rights of our constituents.
I think everyone would agree with the above statement, it’s the little details that are left to handle and it is my hope that we can approach these issues with good faith and in a productive way.
Unfortunately, it is not always done this way. Recently, that sort of statesmanship and decorum has been in short supply.
Regardless of this, I am committed to working with anyone who takes these issues seriously and is willing to come together, find common ground and get these things done.
Week Two at the Capitol
I have been busy this week attending committee meetings, speaking with stakeholders, and attending floor sessions.
This week I had the opportunity to present a number of my bills before the House Committee on Education Finance and the State Government Committee.
In Monday’s State Gov Committee, I spoke on House File 2526 to ensure our first responders can receive the mental health and wellness support they deserve without unnecessary legal barriers. Current law can unintentionally prevent nonprofit organizations from providing support after traumatic events, including line of duty deaths. My bill creates exceptions allowing nonprofits to offer voluntary mental health services and organize supportive meals or gatherings while maintaining ethical safeguards.
Shouldn’t be controversial.
On Tuesday, I offered two bills relating to school security before the House Committee on Education Finance. HF 3492 and HF 3495 are focused on making sure every student in Minnesota has access to a safe learning environment. HF 3492 creates a School Safety Facility Grant program to help schools make practical security upgrades, with priority given to Greater Minnesota and a responsible approach that redirects existing funds toward this core priority.
HF 3495 expands eligibility for existing school safety and cybersecurity grants to include nonpublic and Tribal contract schools. Safety should never depend on what type of school a child attends. This bill ensures that more schools can strengthen building security and cybersecurity protections, so students and staff are better protected across the board.
Keeping our children safe is not a partisan issue. We all agree on this. All that’s left is working together to deliver the best way to do it.
Office of Inspector General (OIG) Update
Once more on Wednesday, the House convened for a floor vote on a bill that what establish an independent office of the inspector general. This bill passed the Democrat led Senate body last session with broad support from both parties, received strong support from the Republicans in the House but due to our tie, it fell short by one vote.
Wednesday’s vote met a similar fate as the bill failed to gain the singular Democrat vote necessary to break the 67-67 tie.
So, what’s the hangup?
Currently the Debate is over varying levels of independence and authority.
February Forecast
Following up on a dismal November forecast that projected a multi-billion-dollar deficit over the coming years, I expect a similar outlook in today’s February Forecast.
Released by the state’s Office of Management and Budget, these two-yearly forecasts give excellent breakdowns of the state’s financial situation.
In next week’s legislative update, I will be sure to provide a more in-depth breakdown along with links to the report so readers can look through the information themselves.
Thank You for Staying Engaged
As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol. Your input, your priorities, and your ideas matter. Please continue reaching out to my office with your thoughts on these bills or any other issue before the Legislature. It is an honor to serve you, and I will continue fighting for responsible policies that support our communities, protect taxpayers, and stand behind the men and women who keep us safe.