Legislative Update
Dear friends and neighbors,
It has been another jam-packed week here at the Capitol—and let me tell you, things have been moving fast! From committee hearings to meetings with constituents and plenty of policy discussions in between, there’s been no shortage of work getting done this week.
If you’d like a quick rundown of what’s been happening, I invite you to check out my video update by clicking on the photo below!
Turning Down the Heat on Energy Costs
One of the biggest concerns I continue to hear from constituents across our district—and frankly from people all across Minnesota—is affordability. Groceries, housing, childcare, energy bills… it all adds up quickly.
When it comes to making life more affordable, there are really only a couple of ways government tends to approach the problem: cut programs or raise taxes. And correct me if I’m wrong, but raising taxes has never once made life more affordable for Minnesotans.
So instead of simply asking taxpayers for more, we should also be taking a hard look at existing laws and policies that may be standing in the way of lower costs.
Energy is a great example.
We just made it through another Minnesota winter—and if your household is anything like mine, your energy bill probably looked a lot higher than it did a few years ago. When families are already stretched thin, rising energy costs are the last thing they need.
That’s why House Republicans—and members from the other side of the aisle—have begun serious discussions about lifting Minnesota’s nuclear energy moratorium.
Sometimes legislation adds new language into law. Other times, it’s about removing outdated barriers. House File 2002 falls squarely into that second category.
Right now, Minnesota law prohibits the Public Utilities Commission from issuing a certificate of need for a new nuclear power plant. In simple terms, the state has a moratorium that prevents even studying or considering new nuclear facilities.
HF 2002 would remove that prohibition and allow Minnesota utilities to at least explore nuclear energy as part of our future energy mix.
As Rep. Spencer Igo (R - Grand Rapids) put it during committee discussion:
“One of the best forms of baseload power that we have available to us is nuclear power. We’ve had a moratorium that’s prohibited even looking into and doing studies about what if our utilities want to host these types of facilities. A moratorium around ideas is a very archaic way of legislating.”
And he raises a fair point. Banning the conversation entirely doesn’t make much sense—especially when energy demand continues to rise.
Nuclear energy provides reliable, around-the-clock baseload powersomething wind and solar alone cannot do. If Minnesota is serious about its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, nuclear power will almost certainly have to be part of the conversation. In fact, 31 countries—including the United States—have pledged to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of efforts to meet growing electricity demand while reducing emissions.
At the same time, we also need broader reforms to ensure Minnesota’s energy policy keeps affordability and reliability front and center.
That’s why I introduced House File 4023, the “A+ Energy Act.” The bill is designed to make sure Minnesota’s energy policy prioritizes three things:
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Affordability for ratepayers
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Reliable baseload power for our growing energy needs
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A practical path toward cleaner energy technologies
The bill works to ensure that when utilities and regulators evaluate new energy projects, they consider all available technologies and the real-world impact on Minnesota families’ utility bills, rather than limiting the conversation through outdated statutory restrictions.
Because at the end of the day, energy policy isn’t just about technology—it’s about the monthly bill sitting on the kitchen table.
Lifting the nuclear moratorium and advancing proposals like the A+ Energy Act doesn’t mean Minnesota will build a nuclear plant tomorrow. What it does mean is that we can start having honest conversations, evaluate the full toolbox of energy options, and plan responsibly for the future.
And if those conversations lead to more reliable power and lower energy costs for Minnesota families, then they are absolutely worth having.
An Evening of Faith, Fellowship, and Unity
On Monday evening, I had the great honor of cohosting the annual bipartisan Iftar dinner alongside my colleague, Representative Samakab Hussein (D - Saint Paul). It was a truly special evening that brought together community members, faith leaders, and legislators from across Minnesota to share in a time of reflection, gratitude, and fellowship during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a time centered on faith, service, compassion, and gratitude—values that reach far beyond any one tradition and speak to the very heart of who we are as Minnesotans. It is a season of reflection and renewal, when families and communities gather together, hearts are softened, and people recommit themselves to caring for their neighbors.
One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was the reminder that, while we may come from different backgrounds, faiths, and even political parties, we share something far greater in common: a commitment to serving the people of Minnesota with integrity and respect. Representative Hussein and I may not always see eye to eye on every policy, but events like this remind us that real bipartisanship begins with listening, building relationships, and recognizing the shared mission we all carry as public servants.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening possible and to all who joined us in fellowship. Ramadan Mubarak to all who are observing this holy month. May it continue to bring peace, renewal, and joy to you and your families!
Don’t Be a Stranger, Let’s Talk!
As we move through the rest of the legislative session, I truly can’t stress this enough: your voice matters. Public service works best when it’s a two-way conversation—not just lawmakers talking, but neighbors weighing in with ideas, concerns, and a little healthy Minnesota honesty.
So if there’s an issue you’re passionate about, a priority you think we should tackle, or something happening in your community that deserves attention, don’t keep it to yourself!
Shoot me an email at rep.dave.baker@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-6206.
I’m here to work for you—and I’m always happy to hear what’s on your mind.
sincerely,
— Representative Dave Baker
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