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April 7, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and neighbors,
As we approach the final weeks of session, our shared goal is clear: pass a balanced budget, finish on time, and begin to correct course after years of rising spending and growing fiscal pressure. While there are serious challenges ahead, I’m encouraged by the steps the House is taking to bring both sides together and move forward with a responsible solution.
House Budget Targets: A Step Toward Stability
The House recently released its updated budget targets—a framework that reflects meaningful progress toward closing the state’s projected $6 billion deficit. These targets represent a $3.9 billion reduction in overall spending for the 2024-25 cycle and are $1.159 billion lower than the 2026-27 spending base.
Looking ahead, these targets would reduce the long-term deficit by more than half—cutting the deficit in the 2028-29 budget from $6 billion to just over $2.2 billion. This marks one of the largest total reductions in state spending ever considered.
Importantly, the targets also set firm expectations for future federal funding. If certain transit projects lose federal dollars—such as the Duluth Northern Lights Express, Blue Line, or Northstar—the budget framework would direct those savings (potentially over $250 million) to further reduce the deficit.
Agriculture also receives a boost under the plan, with an additional $17 million to support farm communities across the state—especially important given recent struggles with avian flu.
While there’s still work to do, this framework brings the House closer to a sustainable, bipartisan path forward—without relying on major tax increases or shifting costs onto local governments.
Public Safety Facility for Winona Advances
This week, I had the opportunity to present HF 1951 to the Capital Investment Committee. This bill seeks $36.5 million to build a regional public safety facility in Winona, housing both fire and EMS under one roof.
This project isn’t just about improving emergency response—it’s also about recruitment, retention, and efficiency. Especially in our rural areas, the need for trained first responders is growing. By investing in this shared facility, we’re helping to ensure safe, timely service for every corner of our region.
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Community Spotlight
Last weekend, I was honored to help host a fundraiser for the Developmental Achievement Center, which continues to serve individuals with disabilities in our area with compassion and care.
And this weekend, I’ll be back at it—supporting the Winona State University Athletic Association. As a proud WSU alum, it’s always meaningful to give back to the university that shaped so much of my journey. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.
Thanks for reading, and for staying engaged as we work together to build a stronger, more responsible Minnesota.
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