Investing in Public Safety

Keeping our communities safe should always be a top priority, and law enforcement needs the resources to combat violent crime effectively. That’s why I’m carrying House File 2259, which would provide $3.5 million in funding for violent crime enforcement teams across the state.

These task forces are essential in targeting violent criminals, drug traffickers, and organized crime—the kinds of threats that make our streets less safe. This funding will help ensure law enforcement agencies have the tools and personnel they need to investigate and stop dangerous offenders before they cause more harm.

We’ve seen the impact of violent crime across Minnesota, and I firmly believe that our state should be prioritizing the safety of law-abiding citizens over criminals. This bill is a step toward making sure that happens.

Smarter Waste Management

Another major priority this session is finding better ways to manage waste and protect our water and the environment. That’s why I authored House File 1359, which increases funding for SCORE grants to help local governments in Ramsey and Washington Counties implement safer and more sustainable waste management practices.

Additionally, I’ve been working with local leaders who are partnering with DemCon in Louisville Township to secure funding for an anaerobic digester—a renewable energy solution that breaks down organic waste and produces biogas, electricity, and nutrient-rich fertilizer, among other things (House File 701). Instead of allowing hazardous materials to leak out of landfills, this technology helps protect our watershed while creating renewable energy and useful byproducts.

Anaerobic digestion is a forward-thinking, efficient way to manage waste, and I’m working to ensure that our local communities have access to the resources needed to make this a reality.

Giving Taxpayers a Voice

Minnesotans work hard for their money, and when the state collects more than it needs, those dollars should be returned to the people—not spent on expanding government. House File 4 would amend the Minnesota Constitution to require that future budget surpluses be refunded to taxpayers.

If this law had been in place over the past two years, Minnesotans would have seen $5 billion in tax relief instead of watching their hard-earned dollars fuel a massive increase in government spending—which has now led to a $6 billion budget deficit.

HF 4 would have put this decision directly in the hands of voters by placing the proposal on the 2026 general election ballot. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked the bill in a 67-67 party-line vote, preventing Minnesotans from even having a say in how their tax dollars are used.

This isn’t just about tax policy—it’s about fairness and transparency. Minnesotans should have the right to decide if surplus money gets returned to them, and I will continue fighting for policies that put taxpayers first.

Coffee and Constituents

Join me this Saturday, March 22, at Caribou Coffee for Coffee and Constituents. This is a great opportunity for us to chat about your priorities and for me to provide you updates on what’s been happening in St. Paul. I’ll be around from 10:00-11:00 AM. Looking forward to some good conversations. Hope to see many of you there!