Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,
This legislative session, House Republicans focused on practical priorities that matter to Minnesotans: lowering costs, supporting workers and families, protecting taxpayers, and strengthening communities across the state.
I was proud to help secure several important wins this year for the Iron Range and Greater Minnesota.
One of the accomplishments that hits close to home was securing unemployment insurance extensions for miners that were laid off after the extension deadline from last year’s legislation. Rep. Spencer Igo (R-Wabana Twp.) introduced the bill on our first committee day in February, and it didn’t get passed off the House until the last day. Rep. Igo’s leadership on this bill was tremendous, and I was grateful for the support we received to get this done.
We also passed meaningful tax relief for Minnesotans, including property tax cuts and reductions in car tab fees to help ease the financial pressure many families continue to face. Both of these items are targeted for permanent reductions, if Republican members have their way next year during budget negotiations.
This session also included important investments in county technology modernization to improve efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and help local governments better serve residents. We also worked to strengthen accountability in state government through additional anti-fraud reforms aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars.
In healthcare, lawmakers approved stabilization funding to help hospitals across Minnesota facing financial strain, including support for rural healthcare providers that serve Greater Minnesota communities. I was grateful to be a part of these changes, knowing that the healthcare landscape continues to get more complicated as time goes on and rural areas lose population.
We also made progress on policies supporting Minnesota businesses and job creators by advancing federal tax conformity and providing relief from burdensome mandates that impact employers across the state. Passing the PTET (Pass-Through Entity Tax) for our small business operators across Minnesota is something we were able to do, without costing our state any money, but saving 100’s of millions for employers. Negotiations to get this done came down to the last week of session, even though we tried to move the measure back in March. Sadly, our DFL colleagues wanted to use PTET for a bargaining chip instead of giving business owners the assurance they requested early in the season.
The work accomplished this session was focused on building a stronger foundation for Minnesota’s future. That means supporting industries like mining, keeping communities economically stable, helping families manage rising costs, and making government more accountable to taxpayers.
There is still more work ahead, but this session represented an important step toward addressing some of the biggest challenges facing Minnesota families and communities.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in St. Paul.
St. Louis Recovery Court’s 20th Anniversary
Back on the Range, Senator Farnsworth, Rep. Skraba, and I were honored to attend part of the North St. Louis County Recovery Court’s 20th Anniversary Celebration at the MACO Theater last weekend and recognize the important work being done to support recovery and strengthen our communities. Recovery courts provide individuals struggling with addiction a path toward accountability, treatment, and long-term stability, while also supporting the families and loved ones impacted along the way.
Programs like this make a real difference in people’s lives by helping individuals overcome challenges, rebuild relationships, and create healthier futures for themselves and their families. I want to thank the staff, volunteers, treatment providers, court personnel, and community partners who dedicate their time and energy to making these efforts successful. Their compassion and commitment continue to have a positive impact across northern Minnesota. It was also great to see friends Crystal and Mindy during the celebration!
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