Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week marked our first official week with a tied chamber as the 134th representative was sworn in Monday. With that, most of our committees will now have co-chairs, alternating between GOP and DFL. The new committee structure means that a bill cannot get to the House floor without bipartisan support, so collaboration across the aisle is imperative now. Cleveland-Cliffs Layoffs The Iron Range got devastating news yesterday about the Cleveland-Cliffs layoffs, and I released a statement which I attached here for you to read.  I extend my deepest condolences to all who are affected. I am committed to doing whatever I can to help as this impacts the entire region, and we are in it together. HF1226 Hearing HF1226 was heard in the Energy Committee on Thursday. This is a bipartisan bill that authorizes natural gas utilities to issue extraordinary event bonds to recover costs from unforeseen events, such as natural disasters or extreme fluctuations in gas prices. It aims to ensure that utilities can maintain service reliability without passing sudden, large financial burdens directly onto customers in the short term. The bill also outlines strict oversight by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to ensure that costs are reasonable, financing is structured to benefit customers, and funds are used only for their intended purpose. This legislation benefits Minnesota by providing a structured, financially responsible way for utilities to recover costs from extraordinary events while protecting consumers from sudden rate spikes. By allowing utilities to issue bonds with favorable credit ratings, the bill reduces overall costs compared to traditional financing methods. It also ensures transparency and regulatory oversight to prevent misuse of funds, ultimately promoting energy stability and economic fairness for Minnesota residents. This bill was laid over for possible consideration later in the session. With strong bipartisan support, this bill has the potential to make it off the House floor, which would be a win for all Minnesotans. Puppy DayCommonly referred to as the “best day at the Capitol,” this Monday was Puppy Day. The Humane Society brought in a litter of German Shepherds for us to see and pet. Given the events of this week, puppy day came at a great time. I appreciate the work of the Humane Society and it’s always fun to see the puppies.  Mining MN Dinner My colleagues and I had the opportunity to attend the Mining Minnesota Dinner this week, where we engaged with key stakeholders in the mining industry. It was a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing this critical sector, which plays such a vital role in our state's economy. Especially in light of the recent news of layoffs on the Iron Range, the significance of mining to our region has never been more apparent. These jobs support families, strengthen communities, and drive local economies, making it essential that we continue working together to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the industry. We had meaningful conversations with industry leaders, workers, and advocates about the future of mining, including innovation, environmental responsibility, and job security. It’s clear that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring a strong workforce. We remain committed to supporting the hardworking men and women in this industry and will continue advocating for solutions that protect and grow these vital jobs.  Update: Deer River Basketball The Deer River Boys Basketball team faced off with reigning state champions, Cherry High School, last Saturday in the 7A section championship game. Although this was not the outcome the team was hoping for, the Deer River boys played a fantastic season and made a good run in the playoffs. |