As I mentioned in my update last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna, and I want to take a moment to share just how meaningful that visit was. I truly appreciated the chance to tour the facility, meet with staff, and learn more about the day-to-day operations and the care they provide to residents. It was especially valuable to have this firsthand experience at a time when so many conversations at the Capitol are focused on the future of senior care and the needs of our aging population. Seeing the dedication of the staff and the thoughtful design of the facility highlighted the importance of making sure these communities receive the support they need during this budget season and in the years to come. 

A sincere thank you to Lisa Kern for hosting me, taking the time to walk me through the facility, and sharing insights into both the challenges and the strengths of the Benedictine Living Community. Visits like this help deepen my understanding of the real-world impact of our legislative work, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity. 

We are deep in budget negotiations at the Capitol, with some committees having wrapped up their work while others continue to meet around the clock. Each committee is tasked with crafting an omnibus bill that outlines both policy and funding for the upcoming biennium. These bills must be negotiated in a bipartisan way to ensure we pass a balanced budget on time and avoid a potential government shutdown. The deadline to adjourn is May 19th, and it's critical that we stay on track. 

While we’ve made meaningful progress in several areas, a major sticking point remains in the Health and Human Services omnibus bill. Democrats are pushing to fund MinnesotaCare for illegal immigrants—a program created last session that is already proving to be far more expensive than promised. Originally estimated to cost $196 million over four years and serve around 7,000 people, the program now has over 17,000 enrollees and a price tag nearing $550 million. What’s worse, because federal dollars can’t be used to support coverage for undocumented immigrants, Minnesota taxpayers are left to foot the entire bill. 

This is especially frustrating as we face a projected $6 billion budget deficit in the coming years, after the DFL trifecta already spent the $18 billion surplus and increased taxes by another $10 billion last session. At a time when nursing homes and senior care facilities across the state are struggling—many even closing their doors—we should be prioritizing our seniors and the care they deserve. In many areas, families are being forced to send loved ones hours away just to find an assisted living facility with available space. That’s unacceptable. I will continue to fight for a responsible budget that puts Minnesotans first, especially our seniors, our families, and our rural communities. 

The budget impact spreads far and wide, especially as families across Southern Minnesota are feeling the squeeze of rising property taxes. Unfortunately, the pressure is only expected to increase. Local governments are warning of upcoming tax hikes, not because they want to raise taxes, but because they are being forced to do so after years of unfunded mandates and underfunded state programs. When the state falls short on its responsibilities, counties are left to fill the gap. That results in higher property taxes for homeowners, farmers, and small business owners. 

This is all happening at a time when families are already struggling with the cost of living. From groceries to gas to housing, Minnesotans are being stretched thin, and now the impact of the state’s poor budgeting is hitting even closer to home. Property tax increases put real pressure on working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and local businesses. It is not right to expect our communities to carry the weight of state-level failures. We need a budget that respects local taxpayers, funds essential services, and helps keep life affordable in Southern Minnesota. I am committed to standing up for our region and making sure our concerns are heard loud and clear at the Capitol.