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March 3, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol has been packed with meetings, discussions, and important legislative work focused on public safety and emergency services. From strengthening efforts to combat child sex trafficking to addressing the dire state of rural EMS, I am committed to delivering real solutions for Minnesotans.
Protecting Minnesota’s Children
Few crimes are more horrifying than child sex trafficking and stopping it must be a top priority. That’s why I’ve introduced HF 129, which ensures that lawmakers receive regular, detailed reports on prevention efforts, victim services, and law enforcement actions. With this information, we can craft stronger policies to protect vulnerable children and bring traffickers to justice. The safety of our children is not negotiable, and I will continue pushing for tougher laws and better support for victims.
Supporting Rural EMS and Emergency Services
As a former firefighter first responder and rescue diver, I’ve seen firsthand how critical EMS services are—especially in rural Minnesota. Unfortunately, many of our small-town ambulance services are struggling due to underfunding, staff shortages, and rising costs.
This session, we are advancing several bills to provide much-needed relief. HF 337 would help rural ambulance services cover operating deficits, ensuring they can continue serving their communities. HF 93 would expand EMT training opportunities, helping to recruit and retain emergency responders in areas that need them most.
For two years, we fought to make EMS a priority, but Democrats spent an $18 billion surplus on unnecessary pet projects instead of investing in healthcare and public safety. Now, as we face a $5.1 billion budget deficit, we must act swiftly to stabilize rural emergency services before more communities lose access to life-saving care.
Ensuring School Safety with the SHIELD Act
Every parent deserves to know their child is safe at school. The SHIELD Act focuses on improving security by requiring schools to integrate safety measures into their long-term facility plans. It also establishes grants to fund critical security upgrades, such as emergency communication systems, lockdown mechanisms, and secure entry points. Keeping our schools safe should be a bipartisan priority, and I will continue fighting to ensure these protections are in place.
Photos
Props to Winona’s own Anna Gilmer for winning the women’s Kortelopet Classic (part of the Birkebiner)! She finished the 18-mile course in just 1:34:03, seven minutes ahead of the nearest competitor and beating over 400 skiers from across the country!
Gilmer joins an honorable list of Winona athletes who are Birkie winners: Kelly Skillicorn (Birkebeiner 2008), Garrett Heath (Kortelopet 2003), Amy Cichanowski (Kortelopet 1987, 1988, 1990), and Craig Jarvinen (Kortelopet 1985).
Congratulations, Anna Gilmer! You can read more about it in the Winona Post.
 I was honored to meet with the Chatfield FFA today.
I’m impressed with these future agricultural leaders! Farming is a challenging business and these young people are up to the challenge. That’s a good thing, because the ag industry is vital to our economy and our well being.
These young people make me hopeful for our future. Visiting with them is a reminder of the responsibility we bear to make sure they can thrive in Minnesota.
Public safety—whether it’s protecting our children, strengthening emergency services, or securing our schools—must come before politics. I will always advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our communities.
As always, I welcome your feedback and input. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or concerns.
Until next time,
Rep. Aaron Repinski
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