Dear Neighbor, 

With the legislative session now behind us, I've enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time back home in the district, meeting with residents, visiting local businesses, attending community events, and hearing directly from the people I represent. The interim provides an important chance to reconnect with our communities and continue working on the issues that matter most outside the Capitol. While the pace is different than during session, the work continues, and I remain focused on advocating for policies that strengthen our region, support working families, and keep Minnesota moving in the right direction. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and perspectives. I always appreciate hearing from you. 

Explaining the Tax Reductions We Secured this Session 

Since the session concluded, many constituents have reached out with questions about the tax relief we secured this year, including how it was accomplished and what it will mean for Minnesota taxpayers. I wanted to take a moment to explain the reforms we passed. 

One of the most important issues we addressed this session was tax relief. Across Minnesota, homeowners have seen property tax bills climb dramatically in recent years, creating additional financial pressure for families already dealing with higher costs for groceries, energy, insurance, and other necessities. Many of these cost increases are driven by rising local government costs due to state policies that place new requirements on communities without providing adequate funding to cover them. The term frequently used to describe this situation is “unfunded mandates.” When local governments are forced to absorb those costs, property taxpayers are often left footing the bill. 

We entered the session committed to making affordability a top priority, and that meant finding ways to return money to taxpayers while keeping the state on a sustainable fiscal path. Rather than relying on tax increases, we worked to identify savings and reduce spending in other areas of the budget so we could provide meaningful relief to Minnesota families. As part of the final tax bill, we secured $125 million in one-time homestead property tax relief that will help homeowners offset some of the recent increases they have experienced. 

Now, $125 million sounds like a large and impressive number, and it certainly represents a significant investment in tax relief. However, when that funding is spread across homeowners throughout the entire state, the amount that any individual homeowner may receive is relatively modest. However, it is a move in the right direction. Minnesota has millions of homestead properties, and the reality is that a one-time rebate can only go so far in offsetting years of rising property taxes. 

That is why I view this legislation as an important first step rather than a complete solution. While every dollar returned to taxpayers matters, especially at a time when many families are facing higher costs across the board, this rebate alone will not reverse the long-term trend of increasing property tax burdens. Homeowners deserve more than temporary relief. They deserve a tax system that is predictable, affordable, and sustainable over the long run. 

The good news is that this year's tax relief demonstrates that progress is possible. By making responsible budget decisions and identifying savings elsewhere in state government, lawmakers were able to return money to taxpayers instead of simply growing government spending. Going forward, I believe we should continue building on this approach by pursuing larger and more permanent property tax reforms that address the root causes of rising tax bills. Minnesotans work hard for their money, and they should be able to remain in their homes without worrying that ever-increasing property taxes will make homeownership unaffordable. 

On Thursday, June 4th, 2026, the Federal Corrections Institute-Waseca celebrated its 30th anniversary. Pictured below are some of the current and retired staff members who serve or served at FCI-Waseca. You might be able to find a local representative in the photo too. Congratulations and great job team! 

Now that the legislative session is over, we have entered the interim period, when much of our work shifts away from daily activity at the Capitol and back into our districts through meetings, community events, and constituent outreach. 

I want to make you aware of an important restriction that applies in even-numbered years. We are limited in sending unsolicited mass communications from our official capacity as legislators during the 60-day period before a general election. Because of that requirement, I will no longer be able to send these official email updates beginning July 17th. 

During that time, I plan to continue sharing updates primarily through my Facebook page, and you are always welcome to contact me directly by email or phone with any questions, concerns, or ideas. It is an honor to serve our communities, and I look forward to staying connected throughout the interim. 

Currently, I am planning to host Coffee with Tom at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce today from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.  

Next, I am planning to host Coffee with Tom at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 19th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Note: The Waseca Chamber of Commerce will be closed on June 12th, 2026, so we rescheduled to the following Friday. 

Thank you for your support and feedback, and please reach out if you need assistance in the meantime!