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.

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.