Let me share a few important updates, including legislation I’ve authored that has moved forward this session, and why we are facing down a potential special session.

Why We’re Facing a Potential Special Session 

We’ve reached a critical point at the Capitol. All of the major omnibus bills were built on bipartisan agreements between Republican and Democrat committee chairs, vetted by leadership, and passed through multiple committees. These weren’t backroom deals; they were negotiated in the open and built on months of discussion. 

Unfortunately, several of those agreements are now being unraveled. It’s not responsible governing to walk away from a signed deal once the process is underway. If one agreement falls apart, it puts others at risk too. 

Let’s not forget that session began with Democrats skipping work for the first 23 days. And it wasn’t until just recently that Governor Walz even agreed to meet with Speaker Demuth to begin serious budget negotiations. These delays have made it harder to finish on time. 

Last year, we saw what happens when the process breaks down. An enormous 1,400-page omnibus bill was rushed through at the last minute, with little time for review. That kind of governing doesn’t serve the people of Minnesota. I believe we can and must do better. 

We will be working through the weekend to pass as many of the budget bills as we can before the end of session on Monday. Hopefully, this will keep special session short.

Education Bill Update 

I’m proud to share that two important education provisions I authored were included in this year’s education bill: 

HF 827: Modernizing School Consolidation Aid

Districts like Wrenshall and Carlton are working hard to preserve educational opportunities by consolidating, but outdated funding formulas have made that nearly impossible. The last update to consolidation aid was in 1994, while costs have risen more than 300% since then. My bill brings this aid into the modern era, increasing the consolidation aid to newly created districts from $200 to $424 per pupil in the first year of consolidation, and from $100 to $212 per pupil the following year. 

HF 1258: Common-Sense Cost Sharing for Shared Facilities 

Right now, districts that share facilities, such as an ice arena, do not share the cost of operation. This bill gives school districts the ability to share levy authority when they share a facility, encouraging cooperation and fair funding. 

Both bills aim to make sure our schools are fairly funded and equipped to provide a quality education, safe buildings, and the ability to recruit and retain great teachers. The bill passed the House yesterday with a final vote of 93-41 and now heads to conference committee.  

Green Burials Bill Progress 

Another of my bipartisan bills saw positive movement earlier this week. My bill to establish consistent, statewide standards for green burials was included as an amendment in the House’s Health Finance bill, which passed on Monday. 

Green burials offers families a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial, using biodegradable materials without toxic chemicals or concrete vaults. While some cemeteries already offer this option, my legislation ensures there are clear standards statewide that are both respectful and practical.

The overall health bill now heads to the Senate, and I’ll continue working to make sure this provision remains in the final version of the bill. 

Urgency for Minnesota Miners 

Earlier this week, House Republicans declared an urgency on HF 3023 to provide unemployment insurance for the 640 iron miners who lost their jobs earlier this year. Mining is a way of life here in Northern Minnesota and is a major economic driver for many of our towns. The urgency would have allowed us to suspend the rules with a 2/3 vote and immediately vote to pass the bill.  

Unfortunately, not a single Democrat voted to support our mining families and voted to block the urgency declaration. Rest assured, this bill remains a top priority for us, and everyone on the range, and we will continue to push for its individual passage, or worst case, inclusion into an omnibus bill.