I refuse to take part in name-calling, and I can’t stand political spin and game playing. However, I will never shy away from calling out wrongdoing when I see it. For years, this current administration in Minnesota has either neglected or refused to use or put into place proper agency
Lawmakers returned from break to begin debating key budget bills, including bipartisan approval of the agriculture finance plan and discussion on public safety funding. Highlights include support for rural development, rejection of new mandates, and increased penalties for serious crimes, with priorities focused on police, courts, and first responders.
Recent federal Medicare Advantage cuts have triggered major insurer withdrawals, leaving many Minnesota seniors—especially in Freeborn County—without coverage or guidance for 2026. This crisis stems from past federal policy changes and now demands a federal fix. I’ll work with our congressional delegation to push for solutions that protect seniors’ healthcare access.
The 2025 session ended without completing key budget bills, while chaotic school policies and stalled reforms continue to harm students and teachers. Negotiations now shift toward a potential special session, where transparency and real solutions are urgently needed. I remain committed to fixing these issues and keeping Minnesotans informed.
The 2025 session ended with major budget bills unfinished, triggering a reset toward a potential special session. Despite a historic spending cut in the budget framework, lack of transparency and behind-the-scenes negotiations are stalling progress. I remain hopeful real solutions—especially for education—will advance soon and will keep you updated.
Minnesota is sliding from an $18 billion surplus to a $6.2 billion deficit due to unsustainable spending, unchecked mandates, and ignored problems. Instead of funding core needs like schools, nursing homes, and disability services, resources are being misdirected. It’s time to face reality, set priorities, and start fixing what’s broken.
Bipartisan work continues in the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, where lawmakers united behind a proposal to support Minnesota’s veterans. The bill prioritizes suicide prevention, improves benefits for National Guard members on state duty, strengthens veteran skilled-nursing homes, and ensures proper recognition for those who served. Our veterans deserve nothing less.
Two major mandates—Paid Family & Medical Leave and required summer unemployment for school staff—are placing unsustainable burdens on schools, small businesses, and local governments. With a looming deficit and shrinking resources, these programs must be reformed or repealed. I’m committed to standing up for practical solutions that protect our communities.
As committee deadlines hit, lawmakers advanced a new budget framework that trims state spending and avoids tax hikes amid a looming deficit. I also introduced a bill to tighten oversight of tax-funded nonprofits, while other proposals addressed driving penalties, free college requirements, and restoring balance to the universal school lunch program.
Minnesota schools are sounding the alarm as costly state mandates push districts toward severe cuts and even statutory operating debt. Despite record funding, new one-size-fits-all programs are overwhelming budgets. I’m advocating commonsense reforms to delay mandates, restore flexibility, and keep our schools from financial collapse—before it’s too late.
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