Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, As we march toward the final week of session, it’s starting to look like we might need a little more time to wrap things up. While the constitution says we’re supposed to adjourn by May 19th, with major bills still hanging in the balance and key agreements nowhere in sight, meeting that deadline is starting to feel like a long shot. And let’s not forget, the first 23 days of session were less effective than they could have been, thanks to one caucus deciding to skip town instead of showing up for work. Now, we’re seeing firsthand just how costly that decision was. With just a few bills left to approve, there is a remote possibility that we’ll get through them next week and wrap up the session by the May 19th statutory deadline. That is my objective. The Senate is doing good work, and once both chambers have passed their versions, any differences will be hammered out in conference committees before heading to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Now, let’s talk about what’s driving me this session. Last fall, I promised you that I would fight to lower taxes and rein in government spending—and I’ve kept that promise. I’m voting for bills that aim to right-size government, and against those that try to lock in reckless spending or hike up your taxes. Why does this matter? Well, over the past two years, the trifecta managed to squander an $18 billion surplus and raised your taxes by another $10 billion. Fast forward to today, and we’re facing a $6 billion deficit. Meanwhile, government grew by nearly 40%, adding 6,000 new employees and hundreds of millions in new salaries. Minnesotans deserve a smarter, leaner approach—and I’m here to make sure your hard-earned dollars don’t go to waste. It’s time to put taxpayers first and put an end to this reckless cycle. A Big Thank You to Hospitality Minnesota! A huge shoutout to Hospitality Minnesota for stopping by the Capitol Vault this week and providing us with some absolutely delicious sandwiches! On days when we’re running long floor sessions and the to-do lists seem endless, it’s the little things like this that keep us going. Their generosity not only filled our stomachs but gave us that extra boost of energy we all needed to keep pushing through a busy day. It’s kindness like this that reminds us how much our local businesses do to support us, and we’re beyond grateful for their thoughtfulness. Thanks again to Hospitality Minnesota—your delicious sandwiches were a much-needed treat for all of us! Fighting for Fairness: Nonpublic Schools Deserve Better On Wednesday, I stood shoulder to shoulder with students, parents, teachers, and faith leaders to send a loud and clear message: cutting funding for nonpublic education isn’t just bad policy—it’s a nonstarter. Our public schools do an excellent job of educating our youth, and yet for a variety of reasons, some families choose to send their kids to nonpublic schools. These families pay taxes the same as all our residents, and they should get the benefit of the taxes they have paid. The Governor’s proposal to gut nonpublic pupil aid is as tone-deaf as it is misguided. These schools serve tens of thousands of Minnesota families, many of whom sacrifice deeply to give their kids the education that’s right for them. Yanking away support doesn't just hurt students—it insults the families and communities who rely on these schools every day. Let’s not sugarcoat it: this idea is dead on arrival in the House Republican Caucus. And our friends in the Senate feel the same way. If “One Minnesota” means anything, it should mean standing up for every student, not punishing them for where they attend school. Want to see what leadership looks like? Check out House Republican Leader Niska’s remarks [HERE]. Capitol Visits: Future Leaders from Red Lake County Central & Climax-ShellyWhat a treat it was to welcome two fantastic groups of 6th graders to the State Capitol this week—one from Red Lake County Central Elementary and another from Climax-Shelly Elementary! These students brought curiosity, enthusiasm, and some top-notch questions with them during their visits. It’s always inspiring to see young Minnesotans engage with their government and start imagining how they might shape the future. Both schools may be from smaller districts in northwest Minnesota, but they showed up in a big way. From respectful listening in committee rooms to thoughtful conversations in the rotunda, these kids represented their communities with pride. And let’s be honest—seeing a wave of smiling sixth graders definitely helps lighten the mood in the halls of government! A huge thank-you to the teachers and chaperones who made the long trip to St. Paul. Your work doesn’t go unnoticed, and your students were a true credit to your schools. We hope to see both Red Lake County Central and Climax-Shelly back again soon—you’ve got friends at the Capitol cheering you on!    May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and We're Making WavesPresident Trump recently signed a proclamation recognizing May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, shining a much-needed spotlight on the millions of Americans facing mental health challenges. His message was clear: no one should have to walk through this alone, and it’s time to invest in real solutions — from research and access to care, to better food and transparent data. But the action isn’t just happening in D.C. — we’re making serious moves here at the state level too. I recently co-authored House File 1702, a bill that puts community-based mental health support front and center. It expands access to mobile crisis teams, school-linked mental health programs, and culturally responsive care — because when it comes to mental health, one size definitely does not fit all. We’ve got a long way to go, but momentum is building — and I’m proud to be part of the push to turn awareness into action. A Little Behind-the-Scenes Action: A Visit from the U of M Dance Team On Wednesday afternoon, we had a special group of guests drop by the House—none other than the University of Minnesota Dance Team! They stopped by to see where all the work gets done. It was a fun and energizing afternoon—these talented dancers brought their high energy, big smiles, and of course, a lot of enthusiasm for the work we do here in the legislature. I can’t promise any choreography lessons, but they definitely got a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of a typical legislative day. Thanks to the U of M Dance Team for bringing some sparkle to our workday! And who knows—maybe we’ll inspire a few new moves for their next performance. Wolves Win! A Capitol Night Out On Thursday night, I traded the House floor for the hardwood and joined my friend, Representative Scott Van Binsbergen, to cheer on our very own Minnesota Timberwolves as they took down the Golden State Warriors! It was an electric evening—packed with energy, big plays, and even bigger hopes for the playoffs. There’s nothing like seeing the Target Center come alive when the Wolves are on a roll. From buzzer-beaters to slam dunks, the team gave us plenty to celebrate. Here’s hoping they keep that momentum going all the way through the postseason—Minnesota is ready for it! Let’s go Wolves—keep howlin’!  Happy Fishing Opener, Minnesota! Grab your tackle box and dust off those rods—Minnesota’s Fishing Opener is here! This weekend marks a treasured tradition across our state, as anglers of all ages head out to lakes and rivers in search of walleye, northern pike, and good old-fashioned relaxation. Whether you're casting from a boat at sunrise, teaching your kids how to bait a hook, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the water, the Fishing Opener is about more than just the catch—it's about community, memories, and the joy of the great outdoors. To all the early risers, cabin-goers, and weekend warriors: tight lines and safe travels! May your coolers be full, your stories big (but mostly true), and your time with family and friends unforgettable. Here's to another great season on Minnesota’s beautiful waters.  A Big Shoutout to the Real MVPs: Moms! Before we wrap things up, I want to take a moment to recognize the unsung heroes who keep everything running—moms! Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, cheering from the bleachers, or offering the world’s best advice on speakerphone, your superpowers do not go unnoticed. Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen and I put together a special Mother’s Day message to show our appreciation for all the incredible moms across Minnesota. It’s heartfelt, a little cheesy (in the best way), and made with lots of love—just like Mom’s lasagna. You can watch our shoutout [HERE]—trust me, your mom would want you to! Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing women out there who hold families, communities, and snack bags together. Stay Connected!As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer begins to settle in, I’m filled with gratitude for the strong, vibrant community I’m honored to represent here in St. Paul. From lush green fields to lively town events, this season truly brings out the best in our district. I always want to hear from you—whether it’s a question, concern, or just a thought you'd like to share. Your voice matters and helps guide the work I do on your behalf. My door is always open. If you’d like to meet in person or simply connect, feel free to email me at Rep.Steve.Gander@House.MN.Gov or call 651-296-5091. (Just a heads-up—replies to this newsletter won’t reach me, so please use my direct contact info.) You can also follow my official Facebook page for the latest updates from the Capitol and around our district. I’m looking forward to hearing from you this season and continuing to work together for the good of our community. Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |