Legislative Update
 Well folks,
We are officially back in action! Despite the week kicking off with a snowy slap in the face, there’s been no shortage of work to crank up the heat—and fire us up!
I’m fully engaged with the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee and the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. Just like last year, making real progress will take a mix of honest conversations, standing against falsehood, and genuine cooperation with anyone who is working for good. Sure, it can be tricky at times—but it’s also the perfect recipe for practical solutions that actually make a difference for Minnesota families. And that’s what I’m here to do.
This session, House Republicans are rolling out what we’re calling the “North Star Comeback.” It’s our roadmap to restore integrity in government programs, crush the fraud that’s been running rampant, make government more efficient and accountable to the people who pay the bills (That’s you!), and build a prosperous future for Minnesota. Over the coming weeks, I’ll break down each of these priorities and what they mean for our very own district. So buckle up, stay tuned, and get ready for some real results!
From Cornfields to Capitol
 Before the session officially kicked off, I had the pleasure of heading out east to Thief River Falls to visit with some incredible corn and soybean producers from Pennington and Red Lake Counties—alongside my neighbor in the north, Rep. John Burkel.
We rolled up our sleeves and dug into some important conversations, from the grain indemnity account (making sure our farmers are protected when things go sideways) to the really bad legislation known as the Paid Family Medical Leave Program and how it's adversely affecting farmers already. We even got to chat about sustainable aviation fuel, because yes—Minnesota farmers are powering jets while keeping our local farms thriving.
It was a great reminder that the work we do at the Capitol is directly tied to the folks who put food on our tables—and that listening and learning from them always comes first. There’s nothing like starting the session with real, boots-on-the-ground insight straight from Minnesota’s heartland!
Minnesota Businesses Take the Spotlight
 Next up, we dialed in on business as Chamber of Commerce Week took over Minnesota! I had the pleasure of attending the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s annual Session Priorities Dinner, where I had the privilege to hear firsthand how our high taxes and tangled regulations are making it tougher for both big and small businesses to thrive. It was great to catch up with Barry Wilfahrt of the East Grand Forks/Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and Senator Michael Kreun who now lives in the Twin Cities, but who grew up locally.
I’m committed to ensuring that Minnesota’s longtime businesses—and new startups just getting their footing—have every opportunity to grow and succeed. There’s a lot we can do to create a more business-friendly climate, and House Republicans are moving forward with several proposals aimed at cutting red tape and empowering entrepreneurs.
One of the fastest ways to lighten the load? Passing legislation to align with the new federal tax code, providing deductions on tips and overtime. It’s a practical step that helps hardworking Minnesotans and small businesses keep more of what they earn—and it’s just the start of what we can achieve this session.
Future Leader in the House!
 It’s always a pleasure to see young people from our district getting involved in government. This week, I had the chance to meet Leah Johanneck, an ambitious student from Crookston who’s participating in our High School Page Program!
The program, which has been around since 1975, gives high school juniors a behind-the-scenes look at the Minnesota House—from seeing the action on the floor to learning firsthand how our government works. Who knows… maybe we’re meeting our next state representative before our very eyes!
Applications are usually due in November for week-long slots during the following session, so if you know a motivated junior who’s curious about the Capitol, now’s the time to get them thinking about applying.
Looking Ahead With Hope
 I want to close out this week’s newsletter with a few words of encouragement for those back home in the district and for folks across our great state who may be tuning in to this week's newsletter.
We began the 2026 session on Tuesday with a remembrance ceremony honoring Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.The day was filled with emotion. After a year marked by many tragedies and heartbreak for our state, it can sometimes feel difficult to see the light ahead. When we pause, even for a brief moment, to see one another as human beings, something good and purposeful happens.
When we put other people ahead of ourselves—we are capable of governing Minnesota better. We can build a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone who calls this state home.
That is the spirit I am carrying into this session, and I look forward to doing just that.
Sincerely,
Representative Steve Gander
|
