Every Minnesotan relies on safe, well-maintained infrastructure, and I’ve introduced additional local infrastructure bills to ensure our cities receive the support they need for clean water, road repairs, and storm sewer improvements in Minnetonka Beach and Long Lake. Our communities should not be left behind when it comes to ensuring safe drinking water, and reliable transportation systems.

Many of these projects have been long overdue, and as we look at budget negotiations, I am advocating for smart investments that prioritize local infrastructure needs.

Outdoor recreation is a major part of Minnesota’s culture and economy, and I’m working to support access to the outdoors, including maintaining the trails thousands of Minnesotans enjoy every year across the state. I’ve introduced two bills that:

• Provide sales tax relief for local snowmobile clubs so they can invest more in maintaining and improving trails.
• Create a snowmobile license plate, which would generate additional funding for trail development and maintenance.

These trails don’t just provide recreation, they generate tourism dollars, boost local economies, and ensure safe riding conditions. Snowmobile clubs and volunteers do incredible work keeping these trails open, and by providing some small financial relief and new funding opportunities, we can help them continue to support Minnesota’s thriving environment and outdoor economy.

Lately, there has been a growing push in the Legislature to give the state government control over local zoning and land use decisions in your backyard—taking power away from cities and local leaders who know their communities best. These bills have generated a lot of concerns and questions.

Our district is home to 11 unique cities, each with its own character, priorities, and long-term planning needs. Land use decisions should be made by our local communities—not with a one-size-fits-all approach. I’ve been working closely with mayors and city council members across the district to push back against these proposals, create solutions, and ensure that local communities maintain control over housing, infrastructure, and development decisions that directly impact their communities.

Unfortunately, my amendments to the bills in the Housing Committee to exempt cities under 10,000 people and delay the implementation of these policies for small cities, were voted down. Despite this setback, I will continue advocating for local decision-making, because no one understands the needs of our communities better than the people who live and work in them.

One of the most important parts of my job is listening to the people I represent. Over the past week, I’ve had the privilege to participate in several town halls and events, where I heard directly from students, parents, teachers, local officials, medical professionals, and residents from across the district.

• Minnetonka High School with Rep. Falconer – It was great to hear from students about civic engagement and the issues that matter most to them. Young people are the future of our state, and I always appreciate their perspective on the decisions we’re making today. This was a great opportunity to have a bi-partisan discussion.
• Chanhassen Recreation Center with neighbors from across the district – At this town hall, I heard about potential budget cuts at both the state and federal level, particularly the Governor’s proposed budget, which includes $180 million in education cuts and over $500 million in health care reductions. These are serious concerns that will directly impact Minnesota schools, students, mental health access, and families. I am working to prioritize direct flexible funding to support these critical areas.

• Minnetonka Schools Vantage Program – I joined a bi-partisan town hall with Senators Julia Coleman, Ann Johnson Stewart, and Steve Cwodzinski discussing with parents, teachers, school board members, and administrators about the future of education in Minnesota. The dedication of our educators and school leaders is inspiring, and I’ll continue to listen to and support policies that strengthen our schools, not mandating a one-size-fits-all approach.