Legislative UpdateDear friends and neighbors, It has been another great week here in the Red River Valley. The summer days may be flying by, but I’ve been making the most of every one—both serving patients at my clinic and staying connected with the wonderful people who make our community so special. From local parades to casual conversations around town, I’m always grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from you. Whether it’s listening to concerns, celebrating community wins, or just sharing a friendly wave, these moments remind me why I’m so proud to represent this incredible district! Now, let’s dive into what’s been happening this week—from Summerfest fun to important conversations about the future of our state. There’s a lot to share, and I’m glad you’re here to read along! Red Lake Falls, You Sure Know How to Celebrate! What a fantastic day at Summerfest in Red Lake Falls! I had the honor of walking in Saturday’s parade, and let me tell you—there’s nothing quite like feeling the energy of a community that truly shows up for one another. From live music on the river to the classic car show and some seriously impressive chainsaw carving demonstrations, the whole day was packed with small-town charm and big-time talent. Red Lake Falls sure knows how to have fun! Thank you for the warm welcome and another unforgettable Summerfest!  Raising Awareness: Hope in the Journey to RecoveryFor this portion of my newsletter, I’d like to take a moment to switch gears and raise awareness about an issue that is very dear to my heart: addiction and the path to recovery. Serving on the Minnesota House Human Services Committee, I’ve had the privilege of listening to powerful testimony from individuals who’ve battled addiction. Time and time again, I’ve heard how—with the right support and a lot of determination—people have turned their lives around and are now thriving. These stories are a testament to their resilience and to the vital services that helped them get there. Whether it's substance use disorder, gambling, or another form of addiction, there is hope. I have heard deeply personal accounts of people moving from a place of guilt, shame, isolation, and hopelessness to one of healing, openness, and growth. Their courage is nothing short of inspiring. One of the blessings of living in Minnesota is that we have a wide range of support services to help people manage these challenges. But if we’re serious about helping people reach their full potential, we need to make sure those tools are accessible, effective, and known. Thankfully, many of those resources are already in place—and I’m committed to continuing the work of strengthening them. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please know that our hearts are with you. This is a challenge that touches nearly every family in one way or another. You are not alone. We want to see you thrive. Help is available—and it all starts with that first, brave step of reaching out. Restoring Purpose to Public Assistance"We’re Going to End Welfare as We Have Come to Know It" That quote—and that promise—came from Democratic President Bill Clinton in the year 1992. A few years later, in 1996, he signed into law The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, passed with strong bipartisan support in Congress. The goal was simple: help Americans move from generational poverty into lasting employment and a more stable, productive life—with a five-year timeline to transition off assistance and into opportunity. Unfortunately, in the decades since, the intent of that law has often been ignored. The result? Far too many families have become stuck in what’s known as the entitlement trap—a cycle that keeps them from reaching their full potential and hinders economic growth nationwide. Instead of empowering people to succeed, the system has too often left them behind. That’s why the current clarification on social spending coming out of Washington is so important. It seeks to refocus the program around President Clinton's original intent—providing a safety net for those who truly need it, while encouraging and expecting able-bodied adults to work toward independence. This intentional approach preserves support for the most vulnerable: older Americans, folks with disabilities, and children. And it ensures that resources are directed where they’re most needed—by cracking down on waste, abuse, and loopholes that allow benefits to flow to individuals who are fully capable of providing for themselves. Among the new clarifications is the focus on enforcing the exclusion of benefits for able-bodied adults without children—or those whose children are 14 or older—must be actively working or seeking employment in order to qualify for benefits. States that ignore this requirement will be held accountable by covering a portion of the costs themselves. This isn’t about punishment—it’s about purpose. Work gives us pride. It provides dignity. It’s how we provide for our families and contribute to the strength of our communities. And in the long run, it offers far more than any government program ever could: self-sufficiency, confidence, and the opportunity to thrive. I challenge us to put aside partisan politics and acknowledge that no one benefits when we hand out welfare benefits to folks who really don’t need them. What would you say to your own son or daughter who is able to work but prefers not to? I think you’d say, “Get to work!” There may be challenges as these changes take root. But long-term, this renewed focus will help Americans build the skills they need—whether it’s improving literacy, learning a trade, or gaining valuable work experience. We must hold each other accountable in a spirit of compassion and responsibility. Let’s continue caring for those least able to care for themselves, while also ensuring we’re empowering everyone else to reach their full potential. Together, We Make This Community StrongAs we continue moving through this beautiful Minnesota summer and head into fall, I want to thank you for staying engaged and sharing your stories with me. I truly love hearing your testimonials and learning how I can best serve our wonderful community—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of this job. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s an email, a phone call, or just stopping to chat if you see me out and about in the district, I’m always happy to listen. Your voice matters, and I’m here to represent you. Wishing you a safe and joyful summer! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |