Legislative UpdateIt’s deadline day here at the Capitol—and no, we’re not talking about overdue homework. Today, April 11, marks the third and final budget deadline, which means all spending bills must clear their committees if they want a shot at becoming law. It’s kind of like Survivor, but with spreadsheets. Behind the scenes, we’re deep in budget negotiations, and one thing’s crystal clear: House Republicans are holding the line on no new taxes. Minnesotans are already stretched thin, and now is not the time to dig deeper into your pockets. We’re working toward a budget that’s responsible, efficient, and actually makes sense (a rare thing in government, we know). After today’s deadline, legislators will head back to their districts for a short spring recess. (yes, lawmakers get one too—minus the sunscreen and beach towels). It’s a chance to check in with constituents, refuel, and gear up for the grand finale. Because when we return April 21, it’s full steam ahead to the finish line. Buckle up, friends—it’s about to get interesting. And as always, we’ve got your back! Let’s build a better budget without breaking the bank. We’ve Heard You Loud and Clear: Let’s Save Our SchoolsIf you’re a teacher, parent, or student—this one’s for you. With our third big legislative deadline now behind us, things are heating up under the dome. And if you’ve been paying attention to the governor’s budget proposal, you might be wondering: Why are we cutting support for our schools while growing the Department of Education? Yep, we’re asking the same thing. Let me lay it out for you: The Walz administration is proposing $240 million in cuts to local schools. That includes axing teacher professional development, shifting transportation and special ed costs to local districts, and eliminating funding for textbooks, mental health services, and more for nonpublic school students. Meanwhile, their budget gives more money and power to the bureaucracy at the Department of Education. You can’t make this stuff up. That’s why House Republicans are standing up and saying: Enough! Our students deserve better. Our teachers deserve support. Our schools need flexibility—not more red tape. So this week, we rolled out our Save Our Schools package—a slate of bills that gives control back to local districts, relieves mandates, and puts funding where it actually matters: in the classroom. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights: - HF 2318 & HF 2329 – Helps our teachers retire with dignity after decades of service.
- HF 2388 – Boosts per-student aid by $100. That’s real money back into your district.
- HF 2201 – Keeps free meals for students who need them, and redirects $112M in savings back into our schools.
- HF 1803 – Cuts down paperwork so special ed teachers can do what they do best—teach.
- HF 1435 – Lets schools innovate without begging the Commissioner for permission.
- HF 1052 – Gives schools tools to manage disruptive behavior and protect learning environments.
- HF 957 & HF 56 – Adds flexibility to implement mandates and expand access to student support funding.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about putting our kids first. We’re facing a $6 billion budget mess (thanks to the $18B surplus being spent and $10B in tax hikes). But while others are cutting corners in the classroom, Republicans are doubling down on local control, innovation, and real support for educators and students. Because the best decisions don’t come from St. Paul—they come from your hometown classroom. Let’s save our schools. Let’s get this done!  A Win for East Grand Forks (and Their Ice Rinks!) I’m thrilled to share that I’ve authored House File 2658, a bill that’s all about hometown pride, fiscal responsibility, and—you guessed it—ice time! East Grand Forks is home to two beloved community anchors: the Civic Center Sports Complex and the VFW Memorial Arena. These aren’t just buildings—they’re where kids learn teamwork, neighbors gather for games, and memories are made (sometimes in overtime). HF 2658 provides a sales tax exemption on construction materials used to upgrade, expand, and renovate both facilities. That means every dollar spent on keeping these arenas safe, modern, and community-ready will go even further. Purchases made between November 30, 2025, and December 31, 2029, will qualify for a full sales tax refund—a huge win for local taxpayers. Why does this matter? Because when we talk about community investment, it shouldn’t come with a government surcharge. Our local governments already work hard to maintain these facilities—this bill simply helps their dollars stretch further so they can do more for the people they serve. Let’s make sure East Grand Forks can keep their arenas in top shape without breaking the bank. I’m proud to carry this bill and skate it straight into the legislative win column! You can view my full testimony on House File 2658 [HERE]. Honoring Our Heroes at Veterans Day on the Hill On Wednesday, I had the incredible honor of participating in Veterans Day on the Hill—a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication shown by the men and women who have served our great country. It was truly moving to stand alongside veterans, listen to their stories, and personally thank them for their service. These heroes have given so much to protect our freedoms and uphold the values we hold dear. Now, it’s our turn. As legislators, it is our responsibility to fight for those who fought for us. Whether it’s ensuring their access to quality health care, expanding mental health resources, or making sure benefits are delivered without delay, we must continue to prioritize the needs of our veterans—not just in words, but through meaningful action. To all who have worn the uniform—thank you. Your service inspires everything we do here at the Capitol. Move Over, Hollywood—Hawley and Ada Are Where the Real Stars Shine!A big round of applause to the Reiser family of JDD&K Farm, the Grefsrud family of Grefsrud Farm, and the Klask family of Klask Farm (est. 1925)—this year’s Century Farm Award Recipients! These folks aren’t just growing crops—they’re growing legacies. From sunrise chores to sunset suppers, their grit, heart, and deep-rooted commitment to Minnesota agriculture are what make our rural communities so special. Whether they’re rolling hay bales, raising livestock, or mentoring the next generation of farmers, they do it all with passion and purpose. And let’s be honest—if there were an Oscars for agriculture, these three families would sweep the categories. To the Reisers, Grefsruds, and Klasks—thank you for being the backbone of Minnesota’s Ag heritage and a shining example of everything that’s right about life on the farm. We’re proud to celebrate your achievements and your impact on our great state! A Clearer View on Window Tinting! On Monday, I had the opportunity to speak on the House floor in support of Senate File 1075, a bill that brings some much-needed clarity (pun totally intended) to Minnesota’s medical window tinting laws—and I’m proud to report it passed! This legislation updates outdated rules requiring frequent recertification for window tinting medical exemptions. Instead, SF 1075 allows doctors to indicate whether a patient’s condition is permanent—meaning if it is, no more renewing your prescription every two years just to keep your car legally drivable. This issue hits close to home for me. In my optometry practice, I regularly see patients with genetic or inflammatory eye conditions that cause permanent photophobia—extreme sensitivity to light. These are serious, lifelong medical issues, and it never made sense to ask these patients to repeatedly prove what we already know: their condition isn’t going away. People living with chronic light sensitivity deserve consistent accommodations without jumping through bureaucratic hoops. SF 1075 does just that. I’m proud to support this common-sense fix that makes life a little easier (and a lot more comfortable) for Minnesotans managing permanent vision challenges. Here's to less paperwork and more compassion in policy!  Hidden in Plain Sight: A Capitol History Moment After walking past the Capitol more times than I can count, I recently realized—I had never stopped to appreciate the two statues standing proudly right out front. So, I did a little digging, and I’m glad I did! Here’s what I found: John Albert Johnson was born on a farm near St. Peter, Minnesota in 1861. After leaving school at just 13 to help support his family, he went on to serve in the Minnesota State Senate and then as Governor from 1905 to 1909. He was actually the first Governor born in Minnesota and worked to extend the governor’s term from two years to four. Talk about leaving a legacy! Knute Nelson was born in Norway in 1843 and represents the very best of the American dream. He served as a U.S. Congressman, then Governor of Minnesota (1893–1895), and spent nearly three decades as a U.S. Senator. As our first foreign-born governor, Knute’s story reminds us of the powerful impact immigrants have had—and continue to have—on shaping Minnesota. Next time you’re at the Capitol, take a minute to visit these statues and reflect on the remarkable stories they represent. A little history lesson with your daily stroll never hurts—and who knows what else you might discover that’s been hiding in plain sight!  Knute Nelson  John Albert Johnson Stay Connected!Thank you so much for subscribing to my newsletter. It’s truly an honor to represent you and our wonderful community here in St. Paul. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns—your voice makes a difference. My door is always open, whether you’d like to meet in person or simply reach out to chat. Feel free to email me at Rep.Steve.Gander@House.MN.Gov or give me a call at 651-296-5091. Just a quick note: replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox, so be sure to use the contact info above. You can also now follow my official representative page on Facebook here for updates and more! Looking forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together for our community! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |