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March 28, 2025
Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Serving our Northland communities at the Capitol is a responsibility I take seriously—and personally. Whether it’s visiting with school leaders, meeting local families, or hearing from folks at the grocery store, I’m always reminded of the challenges we face and the strength we share.
This week, I’ve been focused on advancing real solutions for rural schools, family budgets, and government accountability. These issues aren’t just policy debates—they’re personal. They impact how we raise our kids, support our communities, and build a future that works for Greater Minnesota.
Standing Up for Local Schools
Earlier this week, I introduced two bills—HF 827 and HF 1258— in the Education Finance Committee that aim to strengthen small school districts by supporting collaboration, consolidation, and shared services.
HF 827 addresses outdated state aid formulas that have failed to keep pace with the real costs of school consolidation. Wrenshall and Carlton, two rural districts in our area, are working to merge to preserve education opportunities and keep schools in their communities. But as school leaders testified, the state’s current consolidation aid hasn’t been updated since 1994—despite education costs rising over 300%. HF 827 would bring this funding in line with inflation, helping districts like Wrenshall and Carlton cover basic expenses like building upgrades and staff restructuring.
These communities aren’t asking for handouts—they’re asking for fairness. Their students deserve the same opportunities as those in larger districts, and by updating this formula, we can make sure consolidation is a viable option—not a financial burden. Watch the committee video here.
HF 1258 takes a common-sense step to allow school districts that share public facilities—like ice arenas—to also share in the levy authority needed to maintain them. Right now, if one district operates a facility, it can cover shortfalls with local levy dollars. But if multiple districts use the same facility, they aren’t allowed to share those costs under current law. This bill would fix that, ensuring cooperative efforts between districts are supported, not punished. Watch the committee video here.
Both of these bills reflect my commitment to empowering local communities, protecting student opportunities, and making sure state government works for all schools, no matter their size
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Helping Families Thrive
House Republicans are focused on solutions that make life more affordable and family-friendly in every corner of our state. With inflation still squeezing budgets and tax burdens at record highs, we’re advancing proposals to provide direct, meaningful relief to Minnesota families.
One bill, HF 2197, seeks to improve access to Minnesota’s Working Family Credit by adjusting income limits for parents. This would allow more married couples with children to qualify for tax relief, helping to ease financial pressures on families that often face high costs for childcare, housing, and other essentials.
The bill also aims to address concerns about the so-called “marriage penalty” by ensuring families aren't excluded from support simply because of their filing status. By better aligning the credit with the realities of raising children, HF 2197 is part of a broader effort to make Minnesota's tax code more family-friendly and responsive to everyday needs.
HF 18 would eliminate the state sales tax on essential infant care items—like diapers, wipes, and formula. Families shouldn’t have to pay extra just to care for their newborns, and this bill is part of a broader Republican effort to put family needs ahead of government excess.
At a time when Minnesota families are paying more and getting less, these bills reflect our commitment to easing that burden and putting people—not politics—first.
10 Commandments Back at the Capitol
Following public concern over a controversial satanic church display set up in the Capitol Rotunda, a new message is now being shared outside the Minnesota State Capitol. The Ten Commandments are once again visible on the Capitol grounds, thanks to sponsorship from Dan Hall Ministries and Restore Minnesota.
The display will remain up in the weeks leading to Easter, offering a reminder of enduring values and a message of hope during the Easter season. Many have welcomed the change as a reflection of Minnesota’s faith heritage and a step toward restoring respect for shared moral foundations.
Fighting Fraud with New Public Reporting Tool
Accountability in government is one of my top priorities, and it’s clear that Minnesota needs serious reform when it comes to preventing waste and abuse. That’s why House Republicans have launched MNFraud.com—a new website where Minnesotans can report suspected fraud, abuse, or mismanagement in state programs.
This tool empowers the public to be part of the solution by shining a light on wrongdoing and helping lawmakers take swift action. Whether it’s fraud in childcare assistance, COVID relief, or other taxpayer-funded programs, we’re committed to restoring trust and ensuring that state dollars are used responsibly.
If you see something, say something. MNFraud.com is one more way we’re working to protect your hard-earned money.
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