Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you’re all doing well as we move through the legislative session. It’s been a busy few weeks, and I’ve been working hard to bring people together and pass policies that directly improve our community—whether it’s making life easier for parents and young drivers, protecting our nurses, or securing funding for critical infrastructure projects.
This week, I want to highlight a few key priorities I’m working on at the Capitol.
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Making It Easier for Parents and Young Drivers
If you’ve ever helped a teenager schedule their driver’s test, you know how frustrating the process can be. Long wait times, limited locations, and a lack of transparency have made it more difficult than necessary for families to navigate. That’s why I authored and had a hearing on HF 795, which streamlines the road test process and increases online availability for scheduling. This bipartisan initiative will require real-time appointment updates on the state’s website, ensuring parents and young drivers can quickly see open slots and book tests within a reasonable timeframe. It also limits last-minute cancellations by ensuring exam stations operate more efficiently.
Our young drivers deserve a fair shot at getting their licenses without unnecessary obstacles, and I’m proud to work towards reasonable solutions.
Workplace Safety: Nurses and Healthcare Workers
Violence against healthcare workers has been on the rise, and it’s completely unacceptable. Nurses, doctors, and emergency medical personnel dedicate their lives to helping others, and they should never have to fear for their own safety while doing their jobs.
That’s why I’ve introduced HF 641, which strengthens penalties for those who assault nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers. This bill sends a clear message: attacks on those who care for us will not be tolerated. We owe it to our nurses, paramedics, and doctors—both locally and statewide—to ensure they have a safe work environment.
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Investing in Our Local Infrastructure
Infrastructure might not be the flashiest topic, but it’s one of the most important things we can invest in for the long-term success of our communities. On March 4th, two local infrastructure projects for Mound and Minnetrista will be heard in the Capital Investment Committee. These projects are focused on improving roads, utilities, and clean water—things that impact our daily lives and make our communities safer and more accessible.
I’ll be advocating for these vital improvements and others to get the attention they deserve. Strong infrastructure means stronger communities, and I’ll keep fighting to bring these investments home.
Excelsior’s New Fire Truck
Our first responders put their lives on the line every day, and they need the best equipment to do their jobs. I’m excited to share that the Excelsior Fire District has received a brand-new fire engine to replace its aging 1986 model. This new truck will improve emergency response capabilities with a 1,000-gallon water tank, foam cell, and state-of-the-art diagnostics to help firefighters operate more efficiently.
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Stay in Touch
As always, I want to hear from you! Your input helps shape the decisions we make at the Capitol. If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your support, and I’ll continue fighting for our community!
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