Legislative Update
Dear friends and neighbors,
We have officially reached the time of year that our farmers are planting and working in the fields again. This means that there will be more slow-moving farm vehicles on the road, which requires extra attention from all drivers to ensure that our roads stay safe and folks make it home. Please take the time to drive without distractions, be cautious of slower vehicles, and exercise patience. If we work together, we can keep everyone in the community safe and ensure that they make it home to their families at night. Thank you!
Improving the Legal Process to Prosecute Fraud
Back in St. Paul, most committee work for this session is now complete, and our focus has shifted to the House floor. Fraud continues to be a top priority for House Republicans, and one bill we passed this week takes an important step forward in addressing it. HF4425 strengthens the state’s ability to investigate and prosecute fraud by extending the statute of limitations for certain fraud-related crimes, including medical assistance fraud and theft of public funds, from six years to ten years. Too often, these cases take time to uncover, and under current law, some expire before prosecutors can fully build their case. This change helps close that gap by giving law enforcement more time to follow the evidence and hold bad actors accountable.
Getting the Work Done for Minnesotans
HF3437 is another step toward updating and clarifying Minnesota’s mortgage lending rules to reflect how the housing market actually works today. The bill adjusts how certain residential mortgage loan fees and penalties are applied, particularly for investment-style loans, and helps make sure the rules are clear and consistent for both lenders and borrowers. This is the kind of targeted, practical legislation that improves transparency in the system without adding new layers of regulation. This bill is expected to be signed into law next week, and it will be the second bill I have authored to reach the governor’s desk and be signed into law this session, continuing our focus on straightforward reforms that make government work better and more efficiently for Minnesotans.
An Update on This Session
We are now well into the final stretch of session, with committee work largely complete and most of our attention focused on floor action in the House. At this point, the work is centered on moving bills that have bipartisan support and are ready for final votes in a closely divided chamber. I am proud that several of my bills have already made it through the House and been signed into law, which reflects a genuine effort to work across the aisle and focus on practical solutions that get results for Minnesotans. That progress comes from a focus on straightforward legislation that can earn broad support and avoid unnecessary partisanship, while staying focused on the priorities of the people we serve.
Local Events and Activities
The annual Maple Syrup Fun Run in Faribault is upcoming on May 2nd! This is a wonderful opportunity to get out and support River Bend Nature Center in our community. There will also be a pancake breakfast for runners and supporters!
Goodhue County Breakfast on the Farm is coming up on June 5th from 7-11am. This is another great chance to get out and support an organization in the community. Check out the event details here. I hope to see you there!
As we see the temperatures slowly rise again, now that we are well into spring, I want to highlight 2 local places to get outside and enjoy the weather. Both Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and the River Bend Nature Center have beautiful flowers, trails, and other nature in our area to enjoy.
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