Legislative Update
Good morning,
We experienced another busy week in St. Paul as you will see below. Also, we will be seating a new Minnesota House member next week, bringing the House to an even 67 to 67 party split among our members (see the details below). How will things change? First, in our committees, we will be sharing the gavel where the Committee Chair will be the GOP Chair during one meeting and then DFL Chair during the next meeting. Each party’s Committee Chair will set the agenda for the bills they are willing to hear when they are the Committee Chair. Obviously, we will all need to continue our work to negotiate each bill at each Committee stop throughout its journey to the House floor. What will not change? Speaker Demuth is the Speaker for the entire two-year session. Stay tuned for more excitement as we address the looming $6,000,000,000 deficit recently forecasted for Fiscal Years 2028 and 2029 by our Governor’s staff. We must address this deficit now rather than wait for the next biennium. This significant deficit represents a financial cliff of nearly 10% of the overall budget.
The Special Election
The special election in House District 40B (Roseville/Shoreview) took place this week on Tuesday. As I mentioned, the House will return to a 67-67 tie. Our new member will be sworn in early next week, and the structural changes due to a tied chamber will be in effect once he is sworn in.
MSBA and MASA
On Monday this week we hosted both the Minnesota School Boards Association and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators at the Capitol. It is always great to hear about the successes and challenges our schools are experiencing, along with how I can help them as a legislator.
 Left to Right: Charlie Priebe - Waseca School Board Member, Dave Dunn - Waseca School Board Member, Eric Hudspith - Waseca Superintendent, me, and Grant Scheffert - Waseca School Board Member.
Insurance Day on the Hill
I had the chance to meet with these folks from the insurance industry, and both are based in Waseca. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities I have to meet people from our district, so thank you to Katie and Matthew for taking the time to visit!
 Left to Right: Katie Gonzales, me, Matthew Petsinger
Hunger Solutions Day on the Hill
I met with this group from Community Pathways in Owatonna, who came to the Capitol to share about their work towards eliminating hunger. Their organization provides food, clothing, and other support to those that need it in our community. Thank you for this impactful work that you do!
 Left to Right: Karla Bauer, Dom Korbel, me, Debrah
Steele County Workforce Development Bill
I am eager to introduce a bill that will support the Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development Area. This organization provides career planning, career pathway training, and education to individuals and families in the area. Supporting SMWDA is a benefit to our community, as they support those that need help among us.
MLC Energy and Natural Resources Committee
I am very pleased to share that I have been appointed to the Midwestern Legislative Conference’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Being able to serve on this committee will allow me to participate in conversations about the issues and solutions that we need within this industry. I look forward to collaborating with other members of the committee, and I extend my deepest gratitude to Speaker Lisa Demuth for appointing me to this committee.
Coffee with Tom
Last week, we had a great meeting in Owatonna for Coffee with Tom. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to attend and have a conversation with me. These events are extremely valuable as I work to best represent our area in St. Paul. Today I will be at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce, and I encourage you to join if you are able. The meeting time is from noon-1:00pm. Please reach out if you have any questions, and I look forward to seeing you there!
|
