Capitol Newsletter from Rep. Igo: The End of the 2026 Session

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

This legislative session was one I will never forget. 

In one of the closest and most politically divided legislative sessions in modern Minnesota history, we proved that real work can still get done when you stay focused on the people you represent. Every single bill required conversations, persistence, compromise, and a willingness to keep showing up for the communities we serve. 

I ran for office to fight for the people who get up early, work hard, raise their families here, and want to know someone is still standing up for them at the Capitol. This year, I believe we delivered meaningful results for the Iron Range and all of Greater Minnesota. 

Some of the major legislation and priorities I worked to pass this session included: 

• Minerals and local economic development legislation designed to strengthen Iron Range communities and support the long-term future of mining towns.  

• Seasonal recreation and school funding legislation that will help local school districts regain stability and keep budgets out of the red.  

• A constitutional amendment focused on securing stronger long-term support for Minnesota schools and students from Minnesota’s Permanent School Trust Fund.  

• Groundbreaking nuclear energy study legislation. The first meaningful legislative step in decades toward bringing nuclear energy discussions back to Minnesota and preparing the state for a reliable energy future.  

• Unemployment insurance extensions for laid off miners, ensuring families and communities are not abandoned during difficult economic downturns.  

• Comprehensive housing legislation aimed at building more homes, increasing affordability, and helping families remain stable in communities they love.  

I am especially proud that these accomplishments happened during a tied House where nothing came easy. Every victory required trust, relationships, and bipartisan cooperation. I am grateful to my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked together to get these priorities across the finish line. 

At the end of the day, these bills are about much more than policy. They are about keeping schools open and strong. They are about helping miners provide for their families. They are about making sure the next generation has a reason to stay here, raise a family here, and build a life here. 

The people of the Iron Range are resilient and know how to work. We know how to fight through hard times. This session showed that when we stand together and refuse to give up on our communities, we can still accomplish big things. 

It remains the honor of my life to represent the people of District 7A. Everything I do at the Capitol is rooted in the communities that raised me, and I could not be more proud of what we accomplished together this session.