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April 4, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and neighbors,
As we dig into the heart of the legislative session, I want to share some concerns—and commitments—with you.
This week, House leadership released negotiated budget targets. These numbers are supposed to guide our state toward a balanced budget, but they fall far short of what’s needed to course-correct the reckless overspending Minnesotans have endured under the DFL Trifecta. In just two years, Democrats have grown state government by a jaw-dropping 40%, burned through a record surplus, added $10 billion in new taxes, and now, a $6 billion budget deficit is looming. Yet instead of prioritizing family budgets over the needs of government, this budget framework fails to solve our long-term budgetary challenge. This budget does not provide balance as expenses outpace revenue over the next four years. While the targets do address some of the deficit, we would still be $2.226 billion in the hole, with Democrats continuing to press to raise taxes and create more new spending. We can and should be doing more to address this growing budget crisis.
In the coming weeks, I will continue fighting to cut spending while demanding accountability and work to restore fiscal responsibility. Minnesota families balance their budgets every month—Saint Paul must be held to the same standard.
The only thing standing in the way of meaningful tax cuts to make life more affordable for Minnesotans is the political fortitude to do so.
A Personal Perspective on Childcare Costs
Billions of dollars are spent annually on government support of childcare programs. In Minnesota we even have our own state agency dedicated to children, youth, and families. Yet, Minnesota is one of the top 3 states in the country for the cost of childcare at over $22,000 annually for an infant. This is on top of the fact that Minnesota is already one of the top-taxed states in the country. Who can afford this?!
On top of that, there are huge inequities in access across Minnesota. We recently had a conversation about this in the Lavor & Workforce Development Committee – spending additional public money in this arena appears to only deepen the divide. Check out the video.
We need to dream for a different vision - one where a parent is able to stay home and nurture their children instead of needing to work to cover the cost of exorbitant taxes and expensive childcare.
Protecting Water Access for Greater Minnesota
I’m proud to author HF 647, a bill that addresses an unintended consequence of a 2021 law that severely limited access to the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. This deep aquifer is the only viable source of water for several rural communities—including parts of our own district.
Under current law, many residents and businesses can’t drill new wells, even when no other aquifer is available. My bill restores a narrow but critical path for communities with no alternatives to obtain permits through the existing DNR regulatory process.
This includes local family-run businesses like the tree farms. Ben from the Wolcyn Tree Farm and Nursery came to testify as they have struggled for years to get water to keep their trees alive. Despite investing tens of thousands of dollars in test wells and short-term workarounds, they are still fighting for a sustainable solution. Check out the video from committee here.
Legislative Update(s) / Thank You
This morning, we had a wonderful crowd join us for the Legislative Update hosted by the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to all who attended!
Mark your calendar for the next one. I’m tentatively planning for my next town hall to be the evening of Tuesday, April 15 outside of Milaca. I’ll keep you posted as details are finalized.
 Thank you for staying informed and engaged.
Have a good weekend,
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