Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’ve officially hit the home stretch of the 2025 legislative session—Unfortunately, because half of the House decided to take a 23-day break at the start of session (I was here!), we’re now in a full-on sprint to meet the May 19 adjournment deadline. It’s not the timeline we wanted—but we’re not letting that stop us from finishing strong. The silver lining? After weeks of negotiation, we now have a global budget agreement on the table. This framework sets the spending targets for the remaining budget bills and marks a major turning point in the process. While most policy details still need to be hammered out in conference committees, we finally have the green light to get to work finalizing what’s left. Some bills will come together quickly—others may still have a few bumps in the road—but we’re ready for it. And let me say this loud and clear: We are holding the line—and delivering major wins for Minnesotans. This budget includes the largest cut to government spending in state history. We’re eliminating over half of the structural deficit. This was created when the trifecta of the past two years exploded the budget by 40% and hiked taxes by $10 billion. Now, we’re cleaning up their mess—and we are doing it without raising taxes on a single Minnesota family. Here’s a quick look at some of the key wins we fought for—and won: - Protected non-public pupil aid – This saves over $1,000 per student per year for affected families.
- Stopped the expansion of taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants – Enrollment freezes immediately, and adults will be removed from the program by January 1, 2026.
- Capped the PFML payroll tax – Saving Minnesota businesses roughly $215 million in avoided tax hikes.
- Defeated a proposed Provider Tax increase – Keeping healthcare costs down across the board.
- Blocked a new sales tax and a fifth-tier income tax – Because affordability matters.
- Pulled the plug on the wasteful Northern Lights Express train to Duluth – Saving taxpayers hundreds of millions.
- Shut down costly mandates, fee hikes, and blank checks to unaccountable nonprofits.
This is what it looks like when you stay focused, stand your ground, and fight for common sense. It hasn’t been easy—but then again, nothing worth doing ever is. We’re here to serve you, and we’re not letting up! Thanks for sticking with us through the ups and downs. I’ll keep you in the loop as we head into the final days of session. And as always, it’s an absolute honor to fight on your behalf.  P.S. — If you want a quick update straight from the Capitol, be sure to watch my latest legislative update video from Thursday morning—you can check it out [here]. Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: Peace Officer Memorial Day at the Capitol On Thursday at the Capitol, we paused to honor the lives, legacies, and sacrifices of our brave brothers and sisters in law enforcement. The House formally recognized May 15, 2025, as Peace Officer Memorial Day by passing a House resolution in solemn tribute to the 312 Minnesota peace officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Following the resolution, we joined law enforcement, families, and community members at the Minnesota Peace Officers Memorial for a powerful ceremony of remembrance. As each name was read aloud, we were reminded that behind every badge is a human story—a life of service, a heart of courage, and a commitment to protecting others, no matter the cost. We stand with the families who carry the memory of their loved ones every day. We stand with the officers who continue to serve, knowing the risks. And we remain forever grateful to all those who wear the uniform with honor. To every peace officer—past and present—thank you. Your bravery does not go unnoticed, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten  Honored to Serve on the Human Services Policy Conference Committee I’m beyond honored to be selected to serve on the Human Services Policy Conference Committee—especially in my first term as a legislator. This committee is where the magic happens: lawmakers from both the House and Senate come together to reconcile the differences in our versions of a bill. It’s a collaborative effort that ensures we find the best possible solution for Minnesotans who rely on essential services. For me, this isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. We’re talking about real lives, families, and communities, and making sure that the support they need is accessible and effective. To be part of this process so early in my career is both humbling and motivating. I’m ready to dive in, roll up my sleeves, and work with my colleagues to make sure the final outcome is one that truly serves our communities. Protecting Our Classrooms: The Fight Isn’t Over YetAs a strong supporter of education, this issue is personal for me. Across Minnesota, schools are facing many challenges—tight budgets, staff layoffs, and a nonstop wave of mandates that make it harder for educators to focus on what really matters: our kids. Last session alone, the legislature pushed through more than 65 costly mandates that are now straining our school systems. Instead of putting money directly into classrooms or supporting teachers, they've wasted it on bureaucracy—sending more dollars to state agencies while local schools are left scrambling. Here’s the good news: This year we’ve fought back and delivered real solutions. We protected nonpublic pupil aid We also secured over $150 million in Basic Supplemental Aid, giving public schools the flexibility they’ve been asking for to meet their unique needs. Even more importantly, we delivered mandate relief—like sunsetting the seasonal worker unemployment insurance mandate that was bankrupting schools. But we’re not out of the woods yet. The education finance bill was heard in conference committee today, and several concerns remain—including potential cuts to special education services and teacher support programs. These decisions will have real consequences for students, families, and school staff across the state. If you’re frustrated by what you’re seeing, I hear you—and I encourage you to speak up. Write to legislators across the state and urge them to prioritize students over bureaucracy. Tell them our public schools need flexibility, not more red tape—and that every child deserves access to a safe, well-funded, and supportive learning environment. House Republicans will keep showing up and standing with all our schools. We’re committed to meaningful, student-centered solutions—not just more top-down mandates. And as always, I’ll keep fighting for our classrooms, our teachers, and most of all—our kids. Optometry Update: A Win for Patients and Providers As both a legislator and a licensed optometrist, I was honored to speak on the House floor this week in support of a bill that’s especially close to my heart—and my practice. I’m proud to share that this bill was officially included in this biennium’s Health & Human Services omnibus bill! The legislation modernizes Minnesota’s optometry statute to reflect the education and clinical training that today’s optometrists receive. It clarifies what optometrists are authorized to do—including limited injections (such as anesthetic for eyelid lesion removal or Botox for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes), prescribing medications, and providing therapeutic vision care. Why does this matter? Because for so many communities, especially in Greater Minnesota, access to timely, high-quality eye care can be a challenge. This bill helps bridge that gap while keeping safety and patient outcomes front and center. It’s a commonsense update that brings Minnesota’s optometry laws into the 21st century—and I’m proud to stand up for both the profession and the people it serves. You can view my remarks [here]. EMMER-GENCY ENCOURAGEMENT! On Monday, we had a special drop-in from none other than Congressman Tom Emmer! Just when the coffee was wearing off and the floor debates were heating up, he swooped into our caucus with a dose of encouragement, a few laughs, and the kind of energy that only a seasoned leader (and Minnesotan) can bring. As we brace ourselves for the final long nights of session, his visit was a timely reminder that the work we’re doing matters—and that yes, there is life after session. Thanks, Tom, for the pep talk and for reminding us that perseverance (and maybe a little caffeine) goes a long way! Fishing Opener Fun  Just wanted to reel you in for a quick update on my fishing opener weekend! After session wrapped last Friday, I headed up to Minnesota’s beautiful North Country—Lake of the Woods, to be exact—with my two sons, Tom and John, and a few family friends. We had an incredible time on the water and hooked our daily limits before 9 a.m. both days! The fish were biting, the coffee was hot, and the memories came faster than the walleyes. It was truly a fishing opener to remember—and just one more reason we’re proud to call this great state home.   As Session Winds Down, My Door Stays OpenAs we enter the final days of the 2025 legislative session and summer draws near, I’m reflecting on how grateful I am to represent such a strong, engaged, and vibrant community here in St. Paul. While the work at the Capitol has been intense, your stories and values have remained front and center in every decision I make. Even as things move quickly in these final days, I want you to know that your voice continues to guide my work. Whether it’s a concern about a specific bill, a question about the process, or simply a thought you'd like to share—I always want to hear from you 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 |