Legislative Update
Dear friends,
We’re officially two weeks into the legislative session, and let me tell you—the gears are turning fast. Committees are meeting, bills are moving, and the debates are intense. There is a lot happening at the Capitol… so yes, buckle up.
One of the most important issues we’re tackling right out of the gate is something I know you care deeply about: strengthening oversight, improving program integrity, and restoring accountability in state government. Or, in other words, ending fraud!
Minnesotans are absolutely right to demand stronger safeguards to protect taxpayer dollars. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that doesn’t go to a vulnerable child, a struggling family, or a senior who truly needs support. That’s not just a line item in a budget—that’s real people being shortchanged. Along with that, by eliminating fraud, we will be able to lower taxes, so you can keep more of your money!
Last session, Senate File 856 proposed creating an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG)—a serious, no-nonsense approach to oversight. The goal? Improve transparency, strengthen enforcement, and actually prevent fraud before it spirals out of control.
And here’s the part that should matter to all of us: it had strong bipartisan support. It passed the Senate. House Republicans supported it. The Governor supported it. But ultimately, House Democrats blocked it from becoming law.
Now we’re seeing an alternative proposal—and the differences will blow your mind. Take a look at the comparison below:
 If we are serious about stopping fraud, we need tools that actually work. Oversight without enforcement is just busywork. Independence without authority is just a title.
Additionally, Senate author Heather Gustafson (D–Vadnais Heights) has publicly stated she was not consulted during the drafting of the amendment and continues to support the original 60–7 Senate-passed bill.
Protecting taxpayer dollars isn’t partisan—it’s common sense. And I will continue pushing for real accountability, because Minnesotans deserve a government that works for them, not around them.
Extreme Gun Measures: Not the Solution
This week, House Democrats rolled out a new gun control package—and I have serious concerns. Both bills would carry a five-year prison sentence if they became law.
Instead of holding criminals accountable or addressing ways to flag individuals with serious mental health concerns, these proposals focus on banning guns, banning magazines, and criminalizing law-abiding citizens. That’s not safety—it’s government overreach.
Rifle Ban
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A total ban on the sale, transfer, and possession of nearly all semi-automatic rifles in Minnesota.
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These rifles are commonly owned for lawful purposes like self-defense and sport shooting. Under landmark Supreme Court rulings (District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen), banning commonly owned firearms is unconstitutional.
Magazine Ban
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Limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds.
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Practically speaking, most full-sized handguns hold 15–17 rounds, and even compact handguns hold up to 15. This would mean almost every lawful handgun in Minnesota would need to be modified—or become illegal.
Put simply, if these bills passed, law-abiding citizens would be forced to:
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Surrender their firearms to law enforcement
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Destroy their private property
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Move their firearms out of state
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Or become felons overnight
These extreme measures are unlikely to pass—and for good reason. If Democrats continue down this path, it will be a non-starter for House Republicans. The Second Amendment is in our Constitution for a reason, and you have my word that I'll continue to defend it.
Once again, we will improve public safety by holding criminals accountable through prosecuting and sentencing them with laws already on the books, improving safety measures in our schools, addressing ways to flag individuals with serious mental health concerns, and other measures.
It's County Convention Season!
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to spend time with nearly 100 grassroots residents in Polk County—and let me tell you, it was energizing! There’s nothing better than hearing directly from the people you represent about what matters most to them.
We talked about the priorities shaping this legislative session and the road ahead. Over and over again, I heard strong support for the work we’re doing to stop fraud in Minnesota, hold criminals accountable, recover hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and slam the door shut on abuse of public funds once and for all. Minnesotans expect transparency. They expect accountability. And they absolutely expect their tax dollars to be protected—not wasted.
What stood out most was the shared commitment to integrity in government. Folks want policies that protect families, strengthen communities, and ensure that those who break the law are held responsible. They want a system that works for the people who play by the rules—not the ones who try to game it.
I left Polk County reminded of why this work matters so much. Public service isn’t about headlines—it’s about listening, showing up, and fighting for the people who put their trust in you. I am truly honored to serve the residents of Polk County and every Minnesotan, and I’ll continue working every day to deliver the accountability, transparency, and results they deserve.
Future Leaders (and Future CEOs!) Take On the Capitol
This week, the Capitol got a serious upgrade—motivated student leaders from the Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations were in the building for their “Day at the Capitol,” and let me tell you… the future is looking bright.
These students represent powerhouse organizations like DECA, FFA, SkillsUSA, Business Professionals of America, HOSA, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America—programs that are building the next generation of business owners, farmers, welders, nurses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
I had the opportunity to sit down with these impressive young men and women, including a student leader from our district, and hear about the real-world skills they’re gaining through Career and Technical Education. They spoke with confidence, clarity, and passion—and honestly, a few of them could probably run a committee hearing already!
These organizations aren’t just clubs. They’re launching pads. Students are learning how to lead teams, solve problems, manage projects, and think critically—all while still in middle school, high school, and college. That’s not just résumé-building… that’s life-building.
It was truly wonderful to spend time with these bright young leaders at the Capitol. Conversations like these are a reminder of why investing in Career and Technical Education matters. Minnesota’s future isn’t just promising—it’s already showing up, dressed professionally, and ready to get to work!
Filling Plates, Not Empty Promises
 Now for some good old-fashioned good news from our neck of the woods! On Wednesday, I introduced House File 2586, a bill that will establish a regional food bank grant program to make sure families and individuals in need have access to more food. This is about getting meals to the tables of Minnesotans who need them most.
You can watch my full bill introduction by clicking the image above.
I’m always grateful for the opportunity to advocate for programs that make a real difference in our communities—programs that don’t just show up on a spreadsheet, but put meals on tables, hope in hands, and support where it’s needed most. And as always, my door is open to you! Whether you have ideas, questions, or even just want to share a story about your neighbors or your own experiences, I want to hear it.
Keep speaking up for your friends, your neighbors, and yourself. Change doesn’t happen from the Capitol steps alone—it happens when people like you roll up your sleeves, make your voices heard, and work together to make our communities stronger. Let’s see if we can turn our angst into positive action!
So until next time, stay engaged, stay curious, and remember: the best policies start with real people—and real conversations.
— Representative Steve Gander
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