Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’re officially on track for a Special Session—an announcement from the Governor’s Office came just this afternoon! Here’s where things stand: We have been called back to St. Paul this Monday to vote on a final agreement hammered out by the House and Senate and brought into a single, balanced deal—hopefully one that can pass both chambers and earn the Governor’s signature. The clock is ticking, with a June 30th deadline looming to avoid a state government shutdown. Let me be clear: A shutdown would be unfortunate—but I believe that no budget deal is better than a bad budget deal. At least if there is no budget deal in place, we have the opportunity to return to the table and fix it. You have my word that I will always keep in mind that it is your money we are spending, and make sure that we spend it according to your priorities! Stay tuned, and stay in touch—I’ll keep you updated as negotiations develop Racing Toward the Finish Line—At the Capitol and the Track! As our conference committee work groups hustle to wrap up final bill language and get legislation across the finish line (and hopefully signed by the Governor), I had the chance to sneak back home to the district for a little midweek joy. Wednesday night was all about cheering on my grandkids as they raced go-karts—and let me tell you, they were flying! The weather was picture-perfect, and yes, the hot dog was huge and delicious (just the way it should be). Sometimes, a quick break close to home is the perfect reminder of why we do this work—to make Minnesota a better place for the next generation.    Grassroots in Action: A Visit to Norman County While I was back in the district, I had the pleasure of attending a BPOU meeting in the city of Ada in Norman County. For those unfamiliar, BPOU stands for Basic Political Organizational Unit (some folks say “Operating” instead of “Organizational”—either way, it’s where the real grassroots work gets done). These meetings are where everyday voices shape the direction of our political process, and let me tell you—the grassroots are fired up. What I heard from the folks in Ada was a genuine passion to engage voters, especially by encouraging people to attend endorsing conventions early next year. And mark your calendars—the Norman County Fair is June 18–21, and they’ll be out there connecting with the community and sharing their message. We also had great conversations about the direction of our state in recent years, and how we can work together to get Minnesota back on track. I deeply value these opportunities to hear from the people I represent—because staying connected to you ensures I’m carrying your values and priorities with me every day at the Capitol. Thank you to everyone in Norman County for the warm welcome, your insight, and your ongoing support. Keep up the great work!  Eyes on the Finish LineAs we wait for the final call to return to St. Paul, I want you to know I’m ready. Ready to protect your hard-earned dollars. Ready to fight for a budget that reflects our values—not political agendas. And ready to push back against any rushed deal that doesn't serve the best interests of Minnesotans. This process may not always move quickly, but I promise to keep showing up, asking the tough questions, and standing firm for what matters most to our communities. Thanks for staying engaged and for being part of this with me. I’ll keep you posted every step of the way. Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |