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Hello Neighbors,
Although this weekend’s weather isn’t quite as bright and sunny as some of the recent days, it’s starting to feel like spring is finally on its way. Warmer temperatures, longer days, and the gradual return of sunshine are all welcome signs after a long winter. Even with a few cooler or cloudy stretches ahead, the overall trend is encouraging, and it’s nice to see Minnesota slowly transitioning into a new season.
I want to give a quick shoutout to the Little Falls educators Mr. Eric LaBlanc and Mr. Peter Masterjohn for presenting their aviation/transportation grant update to the Education Finance Committee this week on behalf of the school district. This is a fantastic transportation career pathway program and these two are both highly involved in presenting transportation opportunities to the students. The Little Falls School District is working with all the schools in Morrison County to provide this opportunity. Well done!
I’m continuing to explore every available avenue to support our schools and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. That includes supporting proposals around trust lands, strengthening school security, and pursuing tax credit funding opportunities that bring additional dollars into education without raising taxes. These are practical, forward-looking solutions focused on supporting students, teachers, and communities across Minnesota. I believe we should be using every tool available to invest in education and create safe, strong learning environments.
Unfortunately, while we’re working to expand funding and improve safety, Tim Walz continues to suggest further cuts to special education. At a time when schools are already facing growing demands and rising costs, we should be strengthening support, not scaling it back. I will continue fighting for solutions that build trust, improve safety, and deliver the resources our schools deserve.
This week, I was contacted by leadership and staff at the Mille Lacs Health System about an urgent Medicare billing issue that has left their critical access hospital waiting on roughly $2.5 million in reimbursements. For a rural hospital operating on thin margins, this is more than a financial challenge. It threatens access to emergency care, inpatient services, and routine appointments for families, seniors, and residents across the region. Because this is a federal issue, I immediately reached out to Pete Stauber’s office, which is now in communication with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. While I can’t promise a resolution, I am working hard to push for answers and a timely fix. Rural communities depend on hospitals like Mille Lacs, and I will continue doing everything I can to help ensure they remain strong and available for the people who rely on them.
As we move past our first and second legislative deadlines this week, our work will shift towards wrapping activity up and tying up loose ends. That being said, I will continue to fight for common sense proposals such as HF3490, to provide additional funding to schools through a federal tax credit. Back home, I want to give a closing shoutout to the Upsala Boys Basketball team for advancing to the state tournament this
By the way, celebrate the second to last Friday of Lent at a fish fry! Check out Herbies or Cary's on the Course, for just two local options.
Finally, next week is the Easter/Passover break. This is the most holy week for many people of faith. For me and my family, Holy Week brings a time of forgiveness, remembrance, and hope. I hope your family has an opportunity to pause and reflect beyond politics.
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