Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, This week has been a busy one—as usual! As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we’ve officially wrapped up our agriculture omnibus bill (cue the tractor horn!), and now my eyes are set on the next big milestone: wrapping up our Human Services omnibus bill this coming Monday, May 6th. With committee deadlines behind us, we’re moving full steam ahead into floor action, floor votes, and (let’s be honest) enough coffee to power a small town. Whether it’s finding common-sense compromises or celebrating wins for our communities, we’re getting the work done. So, let’s dive into this week’s happenings under the dome! Accountability Alert: What Did the AG Know—and When?This week, the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, where we keep a sharp eye on your tax dollars, took a hard look at Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s role in the now-infamous Feeding Our Future scandal. It turns out Ellison may have been a lot more in the loop than he’s been letting on. In newly revealed audio—yes, actual recordings—Ellison is heard sympathizing with businesses under investigation, some of which were later indicted in the largest fraud case in state history. He even offered to pressure state agencies on their behalf… agencies he’s supposed to be representing. That’s not all. While Ellison’s office claimed it "jumpstarted" the fraud investigation in 2022, the Attorney General testified he didn’t know about the scandal during a 2021 meeting with individuals tied to the scheme. Even more troubling? There’s another audio clip from mid-2021 that suggests otherwise. Fraud and Oversight Chair Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) summed it up best: Minnesotans deserve the truth—and a watchdog that doesn’t fall asleep at the kennel. The committee isn’t letting this slide. We’re digging deeper to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in public institutions. As your representative, I am committed to transparency, accountability, and making sure state officials answer to you—not the fraudsters. You can view a clip from Monday's testimony [HERE]. SKOL Sighting at the Capitol! We had a very special visitor at the Capitol on Monday—none other than Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell! As a lifelong Vikings fan, I’ll admit: this was pretty amazing. I kept thinking he was standing on a step, but he wasn’t. He’s really that tall! Coach O’Connell stopped by to celebrate being named the 2024 NFL Coach of the Year—an honor well earned after leading the Vikes to an incredible 14-3 season and a playoff run. That’s the second-most wins in franchise history, folks! We were proud to recognize Coach O’Connell with an official House resolution on the floor—because when someone makes that big of an impact on Minnesota (and our blood pressure during Sunday games), it deserves to be celebrated. Congrats again to Coach O—and SKOL VIKINGS! You can view the full resolution [HERE].  A Wild Thursday morning—and a Wild Win! Speaking of Minnesota sports... Last Thursday, we traded our gavels for hockey sticks—well, not literally—and kicked off the morning at the Capitol in true State of Hockey style! With the Minnesota Wild gearing up for their home playoff game, we were treated to a goosebump-producing rendition of the National Anthem by none other than John DeCausmeaker, the iconic voice behind those anthem moments at the Xcel Energy Center. The energy in the rotunda? Electric. The vibes? Pure playoff magic. And the cherry on top? The Wild skated away with the "W" later that night! It was a day that reminded us why Minnesota hockey is in a league of its own—and why we’ll always be proud to say: GO WILD! You can view his rendition [HERE]. Small but Mighty: Standing Strong at the CapitolWhen it comes to tough conversations about taxes, it’s important to understand the political landscape we’re navigating. Right now at the Capitol, we’re in a pretty unusual spot: the House is split, but the Senate and Governor’s office are fully controlled by the other party. That means we House Republicans are holding the line with—brace yourself—half of one-third of state government. Now, that may not sound like much, but don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed roadblock. While we may not have the numbers to advance every piece of legislation we’d like to, we do have enough seats to stop some seriously bad policies in their tracks—including unnecessary tax hikes that would hit families, farmers, and small businesses hard. Case in point? Governor Walz’s DHS budget proposal, which should raise red flags for anyone who cares about local control and responsible leadership. Back in February, county commissioners across the state sounded the alarm: the Governor’s plan would shift $460 million in costs from the state onto local governments. Translation? Counties—many already stretched thin—would be forced to either cut essential services or hike up property taxes. The consequences are real. Some counties in Greater Minnesota are looking at potential property tax increases of up to 9% just to stay afloat. That’s not theoretical—that’s your money being vacuumed out of your wallet because of decisions made at the Capitol. Let’s be clear: the state’s job is to lead wisely—not to pass the buck and leave local governments to sweep up the mess. This cost shift is unfair, unsustainable, and frankly, wrong. House Republicans are standing shoulder to shoulder with our counties and doing everything in our power to stop this from moving forward. But we can’t do it alone—we need Minnesotans to stay engaged, speak out, and demand better. Greater Minnesota shouldn’t be left holding the bag. We can—and must—do better. High Steaks at the Capitol! Last week, we had a rare treat—thanks to WCCA Beef for swinging by the Capitol and grilling up some seriously delicious steak on a stick! As someone who proudly serves on the Agriculture Committee, these are the days that feel extra special. It's not every Tuesday you get to enjoy top-tier beef while chatting with the folks who make it happen. There’s just something about shaking the hands that feed us—literally. The hardworking cattlemen and women of Minnesota are the backbone of our Ag economy, and their dedication, grit, and passion for what they do make me proud to represent them every day. Thanks again to WCCA Beef for bringing the flavor—and the heart—to the Capitol. You truly make the world go 'round (and tastier, too). Rolling Into the Capitol… with Style! We had a wheely good time this week thanks to a special visit from the Teamsters Local 120 truck! It wasn’t just any truck—it was a chrome-covered, pride-packed powerhouse that turned more heads than free coffee in the rotunda. The Teamsters rolled in with big smiles, bigger energy, and the biggest rig we’ve seen on the Capitol lawn in a while. Thanks to Local 120 for stopping by and reminding us what it means to keep Minnesota moving—one hard-working resident at a time! Hometown Pride: A Stroll Through East Grand Forks I took a little time to walk through East Grand Forks recently—and once again, this city reminded me why I’m so proud to call it home. Whether it’s the quiet charm of our streets, the sparkle off the river, or the way neighbors greet each other with a smile, the views here never disappoint. Representing this community is one of the greatest honors of my life. Every time I walk these sidewalks or take in a sunset over the Red, I’m reminded of what makes our corner of Minnesota so special. Here are a few snapshots from my walk—just a small glimpse of the beauty and heart that make East Grand Forks second to none.  My favorite view in East Grand Forks — peaceful, grounding, and a perfect reminder of why I love this place Looking Ahead!As spring breathes new life into our towns and fields, I’m reminded just how lucky I am to represent such a strong and vibrant community here in St. Paul. It’s truly an honor to serve you. I always want to hear from you—whether it’s a question, a concern, or just a thought you'd like to share. Your voice matters, and it helps shape the work I do on your behalf. My door is always open. If you’d like to meet in person or just connect, feel free to email me at Rep.Steve.Gander@House.MN.Gov or call 651-296-5091. (Just a quick heads-up—replies to this newsletter won’t reach me, so be sure to use my direct contact info.) You can also follow my official representative page on Facebook for the latest updates from the Capitol and our district. I’m looking forward to hearing from you this season and continuing to work together for the good of our community! Warmly, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |