Legislative Update from Rep. Warwas

Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,  

With May now underway, we have just two weeks left in the legislative session, and the pace has picked up accordingly. Our work is now focused entirely on the House floor, and my priority in these final days is still to deliver real results for Minnesotans. That means addressing the cost of living, strengthening oversight to prevent fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, and moving forward on other key issues that affect communities across the state. I remain focused on advancing practical, common-sense solutions and making the most of the time we have left before the constitutional deadline. 

Veterans Day on the Hill 

Last Thursday marked Veterans Day on the Hill at the Capitol. While my schedule and floor session limited the time I was able to spend visiting, I was grateful for the opportunity to connect, even briefly, with several veterans from the Iron Range. It was especially good to see my friend Albert Goerdt in the Rotunda, along with many others later in the Senate Office Building. 

I was disappointed to miss my neighbor, Marlaina Hart, who was there and hoping to connect during the day. 

To all of our veterans, thank you for your service to our country and for taking the time to visit the Capitol. Your commitment and sacrifice are deeply appreciated. 

An Update on the State Flag 

Last week, a group of House Democrats introduced legislation, HF5077, that would reduce state funding to cities and counties that choose to fly Minnesota’s previous state flag. 

Local governments should not face financial consequences for honoring the history of our state. Most importantly, we need to preserve local control and limiting unnecessary mandates and penalties coming from St. Paul. I will continue to oppose efforts that move us in the wrong direction. 

Improving Access to Healthcare Professionals in Greater MN 

Earlier this week marked an exciting milestone for me as a legislator. HF 1794, which I co-authored with Representative Bianca Virnig, was heard on the House floor and passed with strong bipartisan support. 

It focuses on expanding access to full-practice Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), helping improve health care access, particularly in rural Minnesota where provider shortages remain a significant challenge. Removing obstacles to APRN liscensure means that more people may become APRNs and be able to serve in parts of the state where access to an MD can be limited. 

It was encouraging to see broad bipartisan agreement on a practical solution that supports better access to care for Minnesotans across the state. The bill has since moved to the Senate for consideration. 

Chief of Police Day on the Hill 

Recently, I had the opportunity to stop by the Capitol Vault for a great event hosted by Jeff Potts, Executive Director of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. This unique gathering brings together police chiefs from across the state, offering legislators a chance to connect, ask questions, and hear directly from law enforcement leaders. 

It is always a pleasure to see familiar faces, including my friend, Chief Pilar Stier from Le Sueur, and to visit with Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa. Minnesota is fortunate to have such dedicated public servants leading our local police departments and working every day to keep our communities safe. 

ACLT Banquet 

Last Friday, we attended the annual Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers (ACLT) banquet, which brought together the hardworking men and women who keep our forests managed and support our rural economy. Many are generational loggers and truckers who take great pride in their work and way of life. We need and respect these hardworking people! 

Thank you to President Ben Lobb, board member Peter Wood, and everyone who made the event so welcoming. It is always a pleasure to spend time with this dedicated group and continue advocating for their industry. 

Chat with Education Minnesota 

I took a moment during Tax committee last week to visit with Aaron Riehle, a teacher from the Grand Rapids School District. We discussed the challenges teachers and para professionals face in today's insurance market, and possible solutions. 

Thanks too to Paul Winkelaar and Evan Sandstede for the conversation! 

Minnesota Council on Disability 

Last week, I had the opportunity to get over to the offices of the Minnesota Council on Disability. It's been tough to get this scheduled, but I've planned to visit ever since I first met Joel, Linda and Ginger in Hibbing last October.  

The folks at MCD take a collaborative approach to problem solving and advocacy for the disabled, and their passion is clear. I liked hearing about their connection to Access North and how impressed they have become with the work being done in our rural areas too. 

Thanks to everyone in the office for a warm welcome, and the chance to meet the Executive Director, David Dively. Enjoy both our photo from the office this week and one from our meeting at the Sportsmen’s Cafe in Hibbing last year! 

30th Mining Anniversary 

April 22nd marked my 30th anniversary in iron mining. I am forever proud to follow in the footsteps of my dad, and his dad, to work, learn and grow in our region’s historic industy. I was grateful then, and I'm grateful now, to be a part of this important work that continues to be a single-income, family sustaining job. 

Working at Minntac has been the opportunity of a lifetime. My passion for the Range and the mineral wealth we share with our state and nation has only increased over the years. 

To commemorate (and nerd-out about it), I'll share a story I wrote in February of 2022 in the Mesabi Tribune. Extra points to anyone that reads to the end. Oh, and dont miss the photos of a *much* younger Cal Warwas.