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Hello Neighbors,
The weather is steadily improving, and with it comes the return of one of our favorite traditions: spring sports. It’s always a great time of year when athletes, families, and fans can get back outside to cheer on their local teams and celebrate the energy that comes with a new season. On Tuesday, our Little Falls boys baseball team kicked things off in a big way. They opened their season with a commanding 19-0 win over the Detroit Lakes Lakers. If this first game is any indication of what’s to come, it’s shaping up to be a very exciting season for Flyers baseball. Congratulations to the team on a fantastic start, and best of luck in the weeks ahead.
It has been a busy week at the Capitol, with the third committee deadline today and budget negotiations taking much of our focus. As we work together to craft a balanced budget that reflects the tied nature of the chamber, one priority remains clear: supporting our schools. Across Minnesota, families, educators, and communities all want the same thing—a strong start for every child through quality education. Over the past year, I have heard from teachers and school leaders who are struggling to meet new state mandates that came without adequate funding. These challenges have led to difficult decisions, including staff and program cuts. This session, I am focused on delivering practical, bipartisan solutions. That includes easing unfunded mandates, increasing per-pupil aid, and reducing administrative costs at the state level. Most importantly, we must ensure schools have the resources to keep the dedicated staff who make learning possible. By working together, we can build an education system that lifts up every student and strengthens every community.
This week, I had the opportunity to introduce a bill aimed at providing much-needed support for our Oakland Cemetery. As many of you know, Oakland Cemetery holds a special place in our community, serving as the final resting place for many of our residents and loved ones. Over the years, the cemetery has faced increasing challenges when it comes to maintaining its grounds and ensuring that it remains a respectful and peaceful space for families to honor their ancestors. This bill is designed to address those challenges by providing annual funding specifically dedicated to the cemetery’s upkeep and maintenance. With these resources, we can ensure that the cemetery remains well-maintained, safe, and dignified for all who visit. It is important that we continue to honor the history and legacy of our community, and this bill is a step toward ensuring that Oakland Cemetery is preserved for generations to come. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and provide the cemetery with the support it needs. I will update you as the bill moves!
Now that we reached the third committee deadline, we are heading into our annual "legislative break." We do not have any official legislative business next week, so many members are taking the week to spend in district and with family. The break coincides with Easter, so I wish you and your family an early Happy Easter. I hope that you have time to spend with friends and family next week and reflect on the meaning of the season. In other news, I want to give a shoutout to a dedicated community member, Officer Rick Heurung, who served as a police officer for the Little Falls Police Department for 29 years. Dedication and commitment from individuals such as Officer Heurung is what keeps our streets safe and makes our community a great place to live. Thank you, Officer Heurung, for your service and I wish you the best in retirement.
Finally add a BTW: Easter is next weekend, so I have one final Fish Fry recommendation for you. Check out our local VFW Post 1112 for the last in their series of fish frys tonight. Also, the Bunny Bingo Fundraiser is this weekend in Little Falls!
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