Legislative Update
Dear Neighbor,
It’s been an incredibly busy week in St. Paul as most of our days have been spent on the House Floor until midnight debating and voting on several omnibus bills. Despite the long hours and late nights, I remain as committed as ever to serving you, your family, and our Lake Minnetonka community in the legislature.
I appreciate all your support, your messages of encouragement, and your questions, comments, and priorities you have shared with me. Please continue to reach out to me and share the priorities most important to you, your family, and your neighbors.
Updates on Labor Industry and Policy
I had the privilege of serving on the Labor and Industry Policy Conference Committee last week, a rare opportunity for a first-term legislator. These committees serve as a forum to reconcile differences in bill language between the House and Senate versions. As the only Republican representative on the conference committee, I advocated strongly for both business owners/operators and workers with several amendments. As a small business owner and attorney, I know that Minnesota can create more balanced solutions that support workers and business owners. I will continue to bring my experience as both a business owner and employee to revitalize the small business environment Minnesota was known for.
|
Omnibus Bills Pass with Bipartisan Support
Like any omnibus bill, many of the large supplemental bills contain many individual provisions that I support. Unfortunately, most of these omnibus bills also included various “poison pill” provisions that made it difficult for me, and many others, to support.
This past week, however, we achieved bipartisan efforts for the Legacy Bill and Pension Omnibus bill. This demonstrates that bipartisan efforts, though less frequent recently, can still benefit all. The funding allocated in the Legacy bill supports access to the outdoors, trails, and parks across the state. Minnesota's outdoor resources are integral to our way of life, and I am proud to support the enhancement of our community's outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities for all Minnesotans.
The Pensions Bill makes several changes to public employee pensions here in Minnesota, including teachers, to further strengthen them to ensure their long-term solvency. This bill was unanimously approved by the House.
Happy Teachers Appreciation Week
It was great to see the 4th-grade kids from Redeemer Christian Academy in Wayzata down at the capitol this week. Our youth always bring a new perspective to government and the role that we play as legislators.
|
Thank you to Stephanie Schrupps and David Gesch for your work supporting our schools, children, parents, and community. Happy Teachers Appreciation Week to all the educators across the state including educators from Minnetonka, Westonka, Orono, Wayzata, and Eastern Carver County Schools.
|
|
