Dear Neighbor,
The House this week continues working on omnibus finance bills so we can have a new two-year state budget in place and adjourn on time May 19.
 Before we get to those notes, I would like to wish people in our area good luck in this weekend’s fishing opener and a happy Mother’s Day on Sunday. Here is more from the House: AED bill passes Let’s first touch on a bill with a local connection that has passed the House. Back in 2021, Paynesville Area High School senior Kaitlyn Gilk earned the Girl Scouts highest honor – the Gold Award – for her efforts to make automated external defibrillators more accessible throughout the community. She followed in the footsteps of her mom, who has performed similar AED efforts in Richmond and Cold Spring area. Recently, the House approved a bill (H.F. 1290) to provide roadside signage for AEDs so people are aware of their locations in case of an emergency when every second counts. This is a win-win because it will raise public awareness to AEDs, and businesses and organizations are willing to cover the cost, so this initiative does not come at a cost to taxpayers. Veterans I was proud to support the omnibus veterans bill (S.F. 1959) that passed the House with strong bipartisan support. This is a good bill for Minnesota veterans, especially with resources it provides for mental health and suicide prevention. It’s a step in the right direction to tackle a serious issue that claims the lives of around 100 Minnesota veterans each year. Congratulations, coach! |
It was great to meet Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell at the Capitol as we recognized him for winning the 2024 NFL Coach of the Year Award. I congratulated him for earning this recognition and noted this award speaks volumes of his leadership in the Vikings organization. Skol, Coach O’Connell and the Vikings!
Housing
An omnibus housing bill (S.F. 2298) also approved by the House focuses on building more homes rather than expanding government. It is good we secured $20 million for Greater Minnesota infrastructure (five times more than last session) and $10 million for Greater Minnesota workforce housing. This will help us build housing stock, providing families and communities stability and bolstering local economies in the long run.
Public safety
Public safety is a top priority for House Republicans, especially after soft-on-crime policies have made Minnesota less safe. We’re focusing on what really matters, including holding criminals accountable, supporting our law enforcement and standing up for crime victims. The public safety omnibus bill (H.F. 2432) which recently received House approval makes progress in these areas, while eliminating waste and making smart investments that will make a difference.
Transportation
The House has approved an omnibus transportation bill (H.F. 2438) that makes our roads safer, our transportation system more fiscally responsible, and invests in the modes of transportation that Minnesotans use most. This bill cancels and delays non-cost-efficient options and makes general cuts to Metro Transit (delaying the Blue Line and reducing unused transit routes). Funds are reallocated to Corridors of Commerce and Transportation Economic Development grants, connecting our state’s regional centers to support construction jobs, improve freight routes, and expand mobility across the state. The bill also reallocates dollars for ready-to-go projects, speeding up construction and delivering quality roads to Minnesotans, while also investing in necessary bridge repairs across the state to keep drivers safe.
WACOSA visitors
I always enjoy talking with WACOSA groups at the Capitol, including once again recently. This is a great organization in our area that helps adults with disabilities develop skills and gain employment at local businesses.
Look for more from the House soon. For now, have a great fishing opener and happy Mother’s Day.
Sincerely,
Lisa