Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It has been a busy week here at the Capitol! With session in full swing, the energy in St. Paul is nonstop as legislators on both sides of the aisle work hard to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation that benefits Minnesotans across our great state. From committee hearings to important meetings with advocates and constituents, every day has been packed with opportunities to move our state forward. I’m excited to share some of this week’s highlights with you—let’s dive in! Giving Minnesotans Their Money Back: The Fight for HF 4 When the government collects more than it needs, who should benefit—politicians or the taxpayers who actually paid the bill? That’s the question at the heart of House File 4, and I think the answer is pretty clear. HF 4 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2026, allowing Minnesotans to decide whether surplus tax dollars should be automatically returned to taxpayers instead of being funneled into endless government expansion. If this policy had been in place during the $18 billion surplus just a couple of years ago, taxpayers would have seen $5 billion in relief. Instead, Democrats spent it all, raised taxes by another $10 billion, and left us with a looming $6 billion deficit. That’s not fiscal responsibility—that’s reckless. Unfortunately, House Democrats voted against this bill, rejecting the opportunity to return future surpluses directly to the taxpayers who funded them. Instead of putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans, they chose to keep it for more government spending. This bill isn’t about party politics; it’s about common sense. When families, farmers, small business owners, and retirees across Minnesota are struggling with rising costs, the last thing they need is more government waste. HF 4 would ensure that when the state takes in more than it needs, that money goes back to the hardworking people who earned it. It’s simple: Minnesota taxpayers deserve relief, not more bloated budgets. House Republicans are fighting to put this decision where it belongs—with you, the people. Let’s make sure your voice is heard. Celebrating National Ag Day – From One Farmer to Another Tuesday, March 18 was National Ag Day, a time to recognize and appreciate the hardworking farmers who keep our communities, state, and country thriving. Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota, and as a farmer myself, I know firsthand the dedication, long hours, and resilience it takes to feed and fuel the world. To every farmer, rancher, and Ag worker—thank you. Your commitment to feeding families, growing our economy, and preserving our land does not go unnoticed. Today, we celebrate you and the incredible impact you make every single day. Happy National Ag Day! Standing Up for Rural Minnesota: Farm Bill Talks with Senator Klobuchar Friday morning, I had the opportunity to visit with Senator Amy Klobuchar at my neighbors’ farm—owned by my cousins, Arnie and Tyler Nelson. Commissioner Thom Peterson and the Minnesota Farm Bureau, including President Dan Glessing, were also there to discuss the importance of getting the Farm Bill passed. We had a great conversation about the necessity of SNAP funding, the vital role of small farms, and the need to ensure rural voices are heard at the federal level. Farmers are still feeling the effects of federal funding that never came through two years ago, despite Democrats having full control in Washington. Now more than ever, we need to make sure rural America isn’t left behind. I’ll continue to advocate for policies that support our farmers and the communities that depend on them.  New Bills Introduced This Week!It's been a busy week at the Capitol, and I'm excited to share some important legislation I’ve introduced to address key issues in our communities. - House File 2468 – Mental Health Support for Construction Workers
The construction industry faces some of the highest rates of mental health struggles and suicide. This bill would provide funding for outreach, education, and stigma reduction to support the mental well-being of our hardworking tradesmen and women. - House File 2425 – Modernizing Human Services Technology
Counties across Minnesota rely on outdated technology to deliver essential human services. This bill provides funding to help counties update their IT infrastructure, making service delivery more efficient and improving access to critical programs. - House File 1795 – Farm to School & Early Care
Minnesota’s students deserve fresh, locally grown food! This bill expands funding to bring more Minnesota-grown fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and grains into schools and early childhood education programs, supporting both kids and our local farmers. - House File 1677 – Expanding Markets for Continuous-Living Cover Crops
Healthy soil means better crops and a stronger environment. This bill invests in developing markets for continuous-living cover crops, which protect our land, improve soil health, and support Minnesota’s farmers in adopting sustainable practices. - House File 985 – Soil Health Financial Assistance Program
Soil health is the foundation of a strong agricultural economy. This bill provides financial assistance to farmers looking to implement soil health practices, ensuring long-term sustainability for Minnesota’s farmland.
I'm proud to push forward these initiatives that support our workforce, modernize essential services, and invest in Minnesota’s farmers and food systems. Stay tuned as these bills move through the process—I’ll keep you updated every step of the way! Please Reach Out!As always, I am so grateful for your continued support and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent you. As always, my door is open to you. Please feel free to stop by my office for a meeting or reach out via email at rep.nathan.nelson@house.mn.gov. You can also stay updated and follow my work by visiting my Facebook page here. I’m here to listen and work together for our community's success! Sincerely, Representative Nathan Nelson Minnesota House of Representatives, District 11B |