Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, I hope you had a safe and spectacular Fourth of July—hopefully with just the right mix of sunshine, grilled burgers, breathtaking fireworks, and maybe even a mosquito bite or two to keep us humble in true Minnesota fashion. The Fourth isn’t just about flag shirts and firecrackers—it’s a bold reminder of how fortunate we are to live in the greatest country on Earth. Our freedoms didn’t come easy, they must be preserved in this generation, and they can never be taken for granted. So to the veterans who fought for them, the service members who protect them, and the first responders and law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe, thank you from the bottom of my heart. As we settle into the heart of summer, I’m keeping my sleeves rolled up at the Capitol to defend those freedoms, hold government accountable, and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear. More on that below… Is This Fraud, Waste, and Abuse? You decide!- According to this story, the Walz administration spent $430,000.00 of your money to prepare for his congressional hearings last month. Imagine what we could have done with $400,000.00 of that money if he could have kept the expenditure down to $30,000.00 (which is still a ridiculous sum). For one thing, we could actually start lowering taxes in this state!
- We found out this week that the Department of Human Services is operating under a hiring policy that threatens disciplinary action if someone is hired without meeting “underrepresented” group status—placing ideology over merit. What happened to hiring the most qualified applicant?
- We also discovered that the Department of Education quietly hired a convicted sex offender who had been ordered deported. You truly can’t make this stuff up.
Minnesotans work hard and expect their government to function with basic competence, fairness, and accountability. Right now, we’re seeing far too little of that. I’ll continue calling it out and fighting for a government that serves you—not one that’s wasting your money chasing PR points and political ambitions. Giddy Up, Golden Eagles! This Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, President Cunningham, and campus leaders from across the state for a truly hands-on visit to the Crookston campus. From the moment we arrived, it was clear: UMC knows how to roll out the maroon and gold carpet! We toured the campus, soaked in the sights (and some sunshine), and got an up-close look at UMC’s one-of-a-kind Equine Science program. Where else can you combine cutting-edge academics with a little fresh air and horsepower? A special thanks to Dr. Mary Holz-Clause, UMC Chancellor and incredible host, for the warm welcome. The picnic by the gazebo wasn’t too shabby either—good food, great company, and a whole lot of pride in the work being done right here in Crookston. I walked away even more confident in the future of Greater Minnesota’s students, and grateful that UMC continues to lead with innovation, integrity, and a deep love for this community.  Calling All Farmers & Ranchers!As your State Representative, I’m excited to share an opportunity straight from the USDA! Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees play a big role in shaping how federal farm programs roll out right here at home—so your voice really matters. All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2025. This is a great way to serve your Ag community and make sure local farmers and ranchers are heard loud and clear. Let’s get involved! You can find registration information [HERE]. Parades, Popcorn & Polk County Pride! This Sunday, I’m heading to one of Greater Minnesota’s summer staples—the Polk County Fair in Fertile! I’ll be joining the fun in the afternoon and marching in their always-awesome parade. If you haven’t been, it’s small-town Minnesota at its finest: flags flying, kids scrambling for candy, and neighbors lining the streets to celebrate everything that makes our communities special! If you’re around this weekend, come say hello and enjoy the day—I’d love to see you there! You can check out more details [HERE]. Lines Are Open—Let’s Talk Minnesota!As always, I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and concerns—hearing directly from you is the best way for me to represent our district effectively. Whether it’s a big-picture policy issue or a small fix that could make life better in our community, your voice matters! Feel free to reach out anytime by emailing me at rep.steve.gander@house.mn.gov, or calling my office at (651) 296-5091. I’m here to serve, and I’m always glad to connect. Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a safe, productive, and joy-filled weekend ahead! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |