Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve had an eventful week here in St. Paul! On Thursday, the budget forecast was released, and frankly, the lack of self-control in spending over the last two years is showing up. The current surplus dropped by 160 million dollars, and the deficit has grown to just under 6 billion dollars. Regardless, I have been working on common-sense issues to support our community this week.
Standing Up in Defense of Girls' Sports
 On Monday, I proudly voted in favor of the “Preserving Girls' Sports Act,” a bill designed to ensure fairness and safety in girls' athletics by clarifying that only biological females should be allowed to compete on girls' sports teams. This bill directly addresses concerns about competitive fairness, safety, and equal opportunities for girls. Unfortunately, House Democrats voted unanimously against it, allowing biological males to compete in girls' athletic programs. This decision undermines the integrity of women’s sports and disrespects the hard work of female athletes. Minnesotans expect lawmakers to pass common-sense legislation, and that's exactly what we were trying to do. Girls should not be forced to compete against biological males. This vote demonstrates a lack of respect for the sacrifices female athletes have made to win, earn scholarships, and inspire the next generation of young women. |
 Regardless of the outcome, I feel blessed to have been joined by so many in a demonstration of support on the steps of the Capitol. A special thank you to Riley Gaines and Jack Brewer, two tremendous athletes who had the courage to speak out on behalf of our state’s young women. |
Carts to Careers – Supporting the Food Service Industry in Minnesota
On Tuesday this week, I introduced House File 1439, a bill aimed at promoting careers in the food service industry. This bill provides funding to the Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation to conduct outreach, promote training, and offer scholarships to students pursuing careers in the sector. This initiative is designed to address workforce shortages and build a stronger, more skilled workforce in Minnesota's food retail sector, which provides 1 out of every 20 jobs.
As a member of the Labor and Workforce Committee, it is an honor to support programs that provide practical pathways for all Minnesotans who are looking for a stable career that provides a good living.
Please watch a short video overview here.
Legislative Work on School Disciplinary Issues
In the last legislative session, a ban on K-3 suspension was passed by the DFL trifecta. Officials from countless school districts across the state have shared the negative impact of this law on all students and staff at school. The clear message from schools is that the use of suspension is a last resort but is needed to maintain a safe learning and working environment for all. Simply put, balance needs to be restored so students can learn, and educators can teach.
I have introduced a bill package (House Files 541, 1052, and 1436) to improve our schools’ ability to deal with disciplinary issues and foster a healthy learning environment for every student who steps foot in the school. The data is clear, and educators agree there are significant disparities in suspensions. Suspension should, and frankly is, used as a last resort. The purpose of these bills is to restore a school district’s ability to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone that walks through the school door.
Officials from district after district are coming forward and sharing their concerns about classrooms being cleared out and not having the ability to support the elevated needs of students. One educator recently expressed frustration about having to focus on a single habitually disruptive student at the expense of the other 25 students in the class who were prepared to learn. While acknowledging the consequences of these disruptions, he, at the same time, felt the need to do more for this struggling student. This is a perfect example of the tension that passionate educators feel on a daily basis.
You can watch as I introduce these bills here.
HF 957 - School Funding Flexibility and Mandate Relief
On Thursday this week, I introduced House File 957. The purpose of this bill is to allow schools flexibility in funding and mandates through the 2028-29 school year by resolution of the local school board. The bill simply allows school boards to move money around various accounts unless otherwise restricted by federal law. The bill also allows school boards to not immediately implement the new education-related mandates adopted in the 2023/24 Biennium, unless otherwise restricted by federal law. To be clear, there is a limit on this bill, and the flexibility ends in the 2028-2029 school year. Given the reality of the state’s budget picture, this is a commonsense solution to help school districts avoid budget reductions.
Feel free to read the bill in its entirety here or you can see what was said about this by Lakeland PBS.
Some of the wonderful people who took time out of their busy schedules to see me in St. Paul.
Thank You!
Thanks again to each of you who shared your thoughts and concerns via phone, email, or in St. Paul. While we may not always agree, it is wonderful to hear from so many of you on how I can better serve our community!