Friends,
We're in the final days of the legislative session and, so far, no deal has been made between Governor Walz, House Democrats, and Senate Republicans. Governor Walz and House Democrats continue to hold to their demands for $12 billion in new taxes despite having a billion dollar surplus. Minnesotans simply cannot afford the tax increases proposed by Democrats and I am glad the Senate is standing strong against these demands.
Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway
On Thursday, the House passed my bill to rename a portion of Highway 25 the Captain Jeffrey Vollmer Memorial Highway. Captain Jeffrey Vollmer was fire-fighter who died after a training event. Mayer lost a beloved community member when he passed away and this is one way we can honor his memory. Members of his family were in attendance as we honored Captain Vollmer on the House Floor.
Ridgeview Medical Center Bill Passes House
On Friday, the House passed my bill, SF 328, unanimously. This bill will allow Ridgeview Medical Center to expand its inpatient program in its Waconia hospital by 20 additional beds. This does not reflect an increase in the volume of the number of licensed beds beyond those already approved by the Minnesota legislature and does not create a new hospital license. Ridgeview had previously been allocated the use of the 20 licensed beds by the legislature in 2003, but due to regulatory restrictions was not able to use them in the most efficient manner.
This is great news for our community and Ridgeview Medical Center. It will result in more patients from the Southwest Metro and the immediate area can be treated at this fantastic facility. It will also create new nursing jobs, support jobs, and facility jobs for our community. Bills like this are proof we can work together to get things done for communities across our state.
The bill also passed the Senate unanimously. It will now be sent to the governor for his signature.
2nd Annual Cereal Day
For the second consecutive year, I hosted Cereal Day at the Capitol for my legislative colleagues and our staff. This is a busy time of year and it's a great way to build comradery and make sure everyone gets a little breakfast. I buy the cereal, my co-hosts brought in milk and bowls, everyone gets a bit to eat and we vote on the favorite. Care to guess the winner? I'll include that in next week's update.
Modern Widows Club
This past week I attended an event at Waconia Brewing for the Minnesota Chapter of the Modern Widows Club. The Modern Widows Club serves to empower widows to lean into life, build resilience and make a positive difference in their communities. Modern Widows Club is a national non-profit with chapters throughout the U.S. including right here in Minnesota. Our local chapter meetings monthly in Waconia, MN and serves widows from around the Twin Cities of all ages and at all stages of loss. To learn more about Modern Widows Club website or connect with Lyn the Minneapolis Chapter Leader directly at lyn@modernwidowsclub.com
Rep. Nash at the Modern Widows Club event at Waconia Brewing
Please Contact Me
While we are in session, we’ll be discussing countless ways to improve our state. I hope you’ll call, email, or visit to share your thoughts, ideas, or questions. As you know, I’m here to serve you and want to help in any way I can. My office is located on the third floor of the State Office Building, Office 349, and my phone number is 651-296-4282. If you are coming by the Capitol, please stop by my office!
Have a great week,
Jim
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