Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, The 2025 legislative session officially wrapped up on May 19—but not with the strong finish Minnesotans deserve. We adjourned without a budget agreement. That’s a big deal—and frankly, it didn’t have to end this way. The first three weeks of session were completely stalled when half the house went AWOL. Why? Because one of their members was disqualified for not living in the district he ran in—leaving us with a temporary one-seat majority. Instead of working through it, they walked out. For 23 days. That decision put us behind the 8-ball, and we’ve been playing catch-up ever since. But the most frustrating part? Several bipartisan budget agreements—months in the making—have been scrapped at the last minute. After hours of hearings, negotiations, and real compromise, our friends across the aisle walked away under pressure from political allies and special interest groups. These weren’t radical ideas—they were balanced, achievable solutions to real problems Minnesotans are facing. Here’s a snapshot of our current status: - Health & Human Services:
We had a bipartisan deal on the table to rein in the skyrocketing costs of a new state-funded health care program for undocumented immigrants. When it passed last year, it was supposed to be affordable. Now the cost has tripled—and there’s no federal funding to help. With a $6 billion deficit looming, this program’s sustainability is a serious concern. - Education:
After weeks of delays, we finally passed a fix to provide unemployment benefits to seasonal school workers. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but some groups dragged their feet, refusing to admit that most schools simply can’t afford year-round benefits for nine-month jobs. The eventual compromise? Redirecting money from a pipe-dream rail project to Duluth that had little chance of getting off the ground. - Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML):
The idea behind PFML is good—but the rollout? Not so much. Costs are spiraling, employers are confused, and the infrastructure just isn’t ready. We’re pushing for a one-year pause to get it right—because Minnesotans deserve a program that’s actually functional, affordable, and fair. - Transportation:
We’re close to a deal here, but it’s being held up by last-minute mandates that would require road projects to meet strict new greenhouse gas standards. That might sound nice in theory, but in practice, it would drive up costs and delay projects we desperately need. We’re asking for a timeout on these rules so we can keep building and repairing roads without unnecessary red tape.
I know this probably isn’t the session recap you were hoping for—but I want you to know I’m still in the fight. I’ll keep pushing for real solutions, real accountability, and real results. Cashing In on Chaos: The Feeding Our Future Saga Continues...Just when you think the Feeding Our Future scandal can’t get any more wild—another twist. Hibo Daar, the 71st person charged in this massive fraud case, was just arrested at MSP Airport while allegedly trying to board a one-way flight out of the country. That’s right—caught trying to skip town. According to prosecutors, Daar claimed she was serving 40,000 meals a week to children in need. Sounds noble, right? But behind the scenes, investigators say only about $1,900 of the $1.7 million she received actually went toward food. The rest? Vanished into thin air—likely spent on personal luxuries and false paperwork. It’s infuriating. This is exactly the kind of thing that makes Minnesotans throw their hands up and ask, “Where’s the accountability?” And I get it—because I’m asking the same thing. This money was meant to feed hungry kids. Families were struggling, food shelves were overwhelmed, and while folks were doing their best to get by, scammers were cashing in on the chaos. It’s not just fraud—it’s a betrayal of the public’s trust. As your representative, I take this personally. I’m pushing for stronger oversight and tighter controls, because the people who actually need help shouldn’t have to compete with fraudsters. We need systems that work—and work honestly. Thanks for staying plugged in. I’ll keep tracking this case—and I’ll keep fighting to make sure your tax dollars are used the way they were meant to be. Reflecting on Memorial Day: The True Cost of Freedom On Monday, our community came together at Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks for a deeply moving Memorial Day service. It was a heartfelt morning spent honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. Deacon Mark LeTexier shared powerful prayers and reflections that really hit home—offering comfort, perspective, and a reminder of the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy. Surrounded by neighbors and friends, the sense of unity and gratitude was palpable. As we wrap up the week, I’m still carrying the spirit of Memorial Day with me—a quiet call to remember our fallen heroes, not just in moments of silence, but in the way we live, serve, and look out for one another.  What Happens Next?Most of the budget work is done—the major bills are drafted and negotiated. We’re now waiting on leadership to call a special session, likely next week, to wrap things up. I’m committed to making sure we pass a budget that is responsible, transparent, and focused on what really matters to Minnesotans. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. I’ll keep you updated as we head into this next phase. All the best, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |