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January 24, 2025

Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am excited to share that I have officially been sworn in for my first term as your representative in the Minnesota House of Representatives. It is an incredible honor to serve the people of District 1B, and I am deeply committed to advocating for your values, priorities, and the future of our great state.

Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you show in serving our community. The progress we make here in St. Paul would not be possible without your help, and I am incredibly grateful for your support.

Session Update: A Rocky Start

As you may have seen, the legislative session is off to somewhat of a rocky start, with some unusual circumstances unfolding. You might have noticed the half-empty chamber during our swearing in ceremony on January 14—it’s almost eerily peaceful without the presence of the Democrats. However, we do want to get them back to work so we can fully carry out the Legislative duties we were elected to do.

The Democrats are currently boycotting the 2025 Legislative Session, hoping to deprive us of a quorum. Their goal is to block the election of a Republican Speaker, Majority Leader, and Committee Chairs. This disagreement comes down to how the Minnesota Constitution is interpreted regarding what constitutes a quorum.

There are two possible interpretations:

• Option 1: A quorum requires over half of the total members that can serve in the House (134 members). In this case, a quorum would be 68 members.
• Option 2: A quorum requires over half of the duly elected members currently eligible to serve (133 members). Since one of the Democrats was disqualified due to residency issues, this would mean a quorum could be 67 members.

We believe Option 2 is the correct interpretation, and the Republican contingent of 68 members should constitute a quorum. The Minnesota Supreme Court will likely decide this matter later this week unless there are further delays.

In the meantime, we received a favorable ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court on a related issue. Governor Walz’s special election to fill an open seat was deemed to have been called prematurely. The election will now be rescheduled to around March 5—a decision that will likely impact whether the Democrats stay away or return to work sooner.

We can expect more twists and turns as this situation unfolds.

My Commitment to Protecting Senior Care Funding in Minnesota's 2025 Budget

As many of you know, I have been actively involved in advocating for our senior citizen population since the 1990s, volunteering at long-term care facilities such as Good Samaritan Nursing Center (East Grand Forks) and Parkwood Place (Grand Forks). Over the years, I have seen firsthand the challenges that long-term care providers face due to an excessive regulatory environment and insufficient reimbursement rates.

The excessive regulations in place have only served to increase costs and make it harder for these facilities to stay operational. Unfortunately, the burden of these regulations too often results in diminished services and a lower quality of life for our seniors.

I am deeply committed to addressing this issue. As your representative, I will push as hard as possible for the elimination of excessive regulations and higher reimbursement rates for home healthcare services, assisted living, and nursing home care. The current state of affairs is completely unacceptable. Neglecting our senior citizens—or those who care for them—is one of the most disrespectful things we can allow to happen, and I will continue fighting to ensure better care for our seniors.

Rallying for Life: A Day of Purpose at the Capitol

On Wednesday, January 22, I had the privilege of taking part in the 52nd annual March for Life Rally at the Minnesota State Capitol. It was an amazing day as thousands of Minnesotans gathered to stand up for the dignity and sanctity of every human life. The Capitol grounds were filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, united in their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. The energy at the rally was incredible, and the heartfelt speeches reminded us why this mission is so important. From young families and students to seniors and clergy, the diversity of attendees showed just how much support there is for building a culture of life. Every person there was a powerful testament to the belief that every life is precious and deserves love, care, and protection. A huge thank you to everyone who braved the cold to join us. Your passion and dedication keep this movement alive and strong. Together, we are a voice for the voiceless and a source of hope in challenging times. Let’s keep this momentum going as we work to create a culture of life in Minnesota and beyond. Your advocacy and involvement make all the difference, and I’m honored to stand with you in this important cause.

Please Reach Out

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. It's my honor to represent you and our community here in St. Paul. I'm always open to hearing from my constituents, listening to your ideas and concerns. If you'd like to reply, please send messages directly to Rep.Steve.Gander@House.MN.Gov, or at 651-296-5091. Do not Reply to the Newsletter as the responses do not send to my inbox.

2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 5515