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Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,
The 2026 legislative session is now entering its final day, with the Legislature constitutionally required to complete all policy proposals, budget bills, and legislative work by midnight tonight. As the deadline approaches, activity at the Capitol has intensified significantly. The House has met almost every day this week, and we will continue working all day today. These final days of session are always fast-paced, with long hours on the House floor and constant discussions between legislators as major decisions are finalized. While there is still important work left to complete, my focus remains on supporting responsible budgeting, protecting taxpayers, defending constitutional rights, and advancing practical policies that benefit families and communities across Greater Minnesota.
DFL Chaos Following Failed Motion to Consider Gun Ban Bill
Earlier this week, the House debated an urgency motion on a bill that mirrors Senate-passed gun legislation. Under House rules, urgency motions for bills not already on the general register require a two-thirds vote, or 90 members, to advance. After roughly six hours of debate, the motion failed, and House Republicans made clear our opposition to provisions which raise serious constitutional concerns under the Second Amendment.
This followed a lengthy and contentious floor debate on similar legislation. At the end of that debate, House Republicans moved to adjourn the session, which Democrats tried to obstruct by chanting and yelling about taking a vote on the motion.
House Republicans continue to prioritize a school safety package, including HF3493, focused on strengthening school security, improving emergency response, and supporting prevention efforts in schools. Democrats, however, have said they will not support the proposal unless it includes massive gun control measures, which Republicans have opposed due to constitutional concerns and a focus on keeping the bill centered on school safety.
Cleaning Up LCCMR Funding Package
This session, lawmakers raised concerns about a proposal to direct $1.2 million in LCCMR funding to an organization involved in anti-mining political activism. Many Republicans argued that taxpayer dollars intended for environmental and natural resource projects should not be used for partisan advocacy. Working together with Sen. Keri Heintzeman and with bipartisan support, legislators were ultimately able to remove the funding from the bill.
Meeting with Jeanne Prittinen and Sue Hankner
I had the opportunity to visit with Jeanne Prittinen and Sue Hankner outside the House chamber this week. Both work with ERDAC and A-Team to support individuals with disabilities and help connect them with meaningful opportunities and purpose in their daily lives. I appreciated the chance to hear more about their important advocacy work and was grateful for the thoughtful card as well.
Bible Reading Marathon
The Minnesota State Capitol hosted the annual Bible Reading Marathon this week, with beautiful weather conditions. The event brought together legislators and community members for public readings at the Capitol. I appreciated the opportunity to participate alongside Rep. Dawn Gillman and Rep. Joe McDonald. Thank you to Joe Bavar for the invitation and for helping coordinate the event.
Celebrating Statehood Day
This Monday was Minnesota Statehood Day, and members were recognized with lapel pins provided by the Minnesota Historical Society to commemorate the occasion. The day served as a reminder of Minnesota’s history and the many milestones that have shaped the state since its founding.
Minnesota became the 32nd state in the Union on May 11, 1858. At the time, the Civil War was only a few years away, and Minnesota would go on to play a significant role, sending more volunteers per capita to fight for the Union than almost any other state. The state’s iron mining industry on the Iron Range later helped power much of America’s steel production, a legacy that continues today.
Minnesota’s motto, “L’Étoile du Nord” or “The Star of the North,” remains the only state motto in French. Before statehood, the region went through several territorial stages, including its time as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Early proposals for state boundaries would have significantly changed Minnesota’s shape, cutting off much of what is now northern Minnesota.
Saint Paul became the capital in part because riverboat traffic along the Mississippi River made it a key trade hub. Today, Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though the state actually has more than 11,800 lakes larger than 10 acres.
The original state constitution was also highly contentious, with political divisions so deep that Democrats and Republicans refused to sign the same document, instead signing separate versions.
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