Friends and Neighbors,

As we move forward in the legislative session, my focus remains on fighting for fairness, strengthening our communities, and protecting small businesses from unnecessary burdens. After weeks of delays, the Legislature is finally moving at full speed, and while the pace has picked up, my commitment to thoughtful, common-sense policymaking has not wavered. Every bill we advance must serve the people of Minnesota—whether by protecting community investments, ensuring public safety, or making life more affordable for families and businesses.

This week, I had the opportunity to push forward key legislation that will directly impact our veterans, youth sports programs, school safety, and local infrastructure. These are the kinds of policies that make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans, and I’m proud to support.

One more quick note, my official Representative Facebook Page is live! Consider giving it a follow for some shorter, but more frequent updates on what we are up to here in St. Paul. 

Protecting Charities

Charitable gambling plays a vital role in Minnesota, funding veterans' organizations like the VFW and American Legion, as well as local youth sports programs. However, last year, House Democrats snuck a provision into an omnibus bill that restricted the sale of electronic pull tabs by our charities, marking millions of dollars in lost revenue.

That money raised by organizations like VFWs, American Legions, and other veteran service groups provides housing assistance, mental health support, and job training to those who served our country. Additionally, these funds help keep other community staples, like youth sports, accessible and affordable, and provide equipment, field maintenance, and scholarships to young athletes across Minnesota.

Restricting these games was a direct hit to our communities, taking money away from community initiatives that work to make life better. That’s why we introduced HF 733, which roles back these restrictions. Money raised by these organizations goes right back into our community, and I am committed to supporting them as they work to help our veterans and make our community better.

Fighting for Our Communities, Small Businesses, and School Safety

Beyond the larger policy fights happening at the Capitol, I’ve been hard at work crafting common-sense legislation to support our Main Street job creators, improve local infrastructure, and keep our kids safe.

One of the most important bills I’ve introduced this session is HF 1293, a bipartisan measure aimed at enhancing school bus safety by installing cameras on buses to catch drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Every day in Minnesota, reckless drivers ignore school bus stop arms, putting children’s lives at risk as they cross the street. Too often, a driver rushing to their destination blows past an extended stop arm, failing to see a child stepping out in front of the bus. One reckless decision could mean the difference between life and death.

Under current law, these violations often go unenforced because there’s no clear evidence to hold offenders accountable. HF 1293 strengthens enforcement by equipping buses with cameras to capture violators in action. This ensures that those who break the law face real consequences, reinforcing the stop sign itself with a system that protects kids and deters dangerous driving. This isn’t about surveillance or government overreach—it’s about making sure every child in Minnesota gets to and from school safely. I will continue working across the aisle to get this bill passed and make our streets safer for Minnesota’s children.

Along with school safety, I’ve introduced HF 1196, which secures funding for Washington County road improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow. These upgrades will make commuting safer and more efficient for residents, ensuring our local infrastructure keeps up with the needs of our growing communities.

I’m also fighting for small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. That’s why I introduced HF 260, a bill that exempts small employers from the Paid Leave Law until January 1, 2028. Small businesses shouldn’t be crushed under the same mandates as large corporations, and this bill gives them time to adjust without undue financial strain.

Each of these bills is focused on real, practical solutions that help the people of Minnesota. Whether it’s protecting children, improving roads, or ensuring small businesses can thrive, I’m committed to passing legislation that makes a real difference for our communities.

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