Legislative Update 02.21.25

Good afternoon friends, 

It has been another busy week at the Capitol. I introduced several bills, which are now moving through committees and hopefully towards the House floor. We also hosted many groups this week, and I will highlight a few. Thank you for taking the time to read my update and see what's happening in St. Paul.

Updates from the Capitol

Here are the bills that I have chief authored this session. Click on the links to learn more about each bill and see where the bill is in the legislative process. 

HF6 - Education Priority Bill. Although I am not the chief author, this bill is our most important and holistic education bill. 

HF629 - Bonding for Blooming Prairie

HF630 - Extension of Short-Call Substitute Teacher Program

HF877 - Amending the Read Act

HF1128 - Requiring public high schools to participate in the direct admissions program

HF1170 - Bonding for the Minnesota BioImaging Center of the Hormel Institute

HF1178 - Bonding for the Mower County FAARM program

Other Legislation

HF20 - Data privacy in the Attorney General's office clarified. This was our first bill up on the House floor this session. This bill changes the law regarding data privacy in the AG's office to ensure that the people of Minnesota can see where money is going from within. It was not passed this time because the vote split along party lines, but we are hopeful to bring it up again later in session.

HF19 - regarding education savings accounts (ESAs). I've gotten a lot of questions about this bill and ESAs. I appreciate those that have reached out and asked for clarification. This bill has not advanced towards the House floor yet, but as it moves in that direction I will provide updates and answer questions. If you would like to talk about this bill, the best way to reach me is by email so that we can set up a meeting time.

Mueller Minute

In this weeks Mueller Minute(s), I talk again about what's happening in my committees, especially with bills that have been introduced. I had so much to share that I split it into 2 videos! You can find the first segment about education here and the second segment about jobs here.

We had many testifiers this week for HFs 12 and 29, which were presented to my committees. I encourage you to watch the committees if you didn't see them live, and I linked some of the powerful testimonies as well.

Meetings

I sat down to talk with this group from Austin Aspires. It as great to hear about the work that they are doing in the community to support education in Austin. 

In between my full meeting schedule, I was also able to meet with a few people from the landscaping industry. Even though it was a brief interaction, it was great to hear about their concerns and priorities. 

Events

Last weekend, I briefly braved the cold for Fishing for the Cure. I am grateful to attend so many of the PTTP events and I look forward to the rest of the ones planned. 

To warm up, Dan and I attended the spaghetti dinner to support the Honor Flight that is happening in April. 

Upcoming:

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry: Friday, February 21st. 5:30-7:30 pm

Local Legends Concert: Friday, February 21st. Starting at 6:30pm

Inviting Tables Lunar New Year: Saturday, February 22nd. 1-3pm

Flannel Fest at Angry Hog Brewery: Saturday, February 22nd. 4-9pm

VFW Dart Tournament: Saturday, February 22nd. 1pm

Benefit for Ehmke House Fire: Saturday, March 2nd, 2pm

Smashing Cancer Demo Derby: Saturday, March 8th. Mower County Fairground 1pm

Bingo: Saturday, March 15th. 7pm at Dexter Fire Hall. 

Shoutouts

Congratulations to Sgt. Mike Tischer on his upcoming retirement from the Austin Police Dept. Sgt. Tischer has more than 18 years of service in our community, thank you!

Shoutout to Callie, Kiki, Reese, and Katelynn from the Austin gymnastics team who qualified for the State Tournament as individuals. Good luck!

Congratulations to Erika Hollerud, Kendra Helegson and Olivia Vorpagel for their success in the Southland FFA Region VIII's WLD competition in the last few weeks. All of these ladies are advancing to the state competition. 

Congratulations to Jessica Stanley for her nomination as the 2025 Online Educator of the Year award. Ms. Stanley was nominated by an Austin community member for her credentials and excellent work!

Shoutout and congratulations to Ajiem Agwa on setting the all-time scoring record for girls basketball, with 1658 career points. Way to go Ajiem!

Another basketball star, Breeley Galle, hit 1,000 career points recently. Breeley plays for Southland Schools. Congratulations Breeley!

Please Contact Me

Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-4193 or by email at rep.patricia.mueller@house.mn.gov 

Have a great weekend! 

/RepPatriciaMueller

2824 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, MN 55155 rep.patricia.mueller@house.mn.gov
651.296.4193