Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’re now in the final days of the 2025 legislative session, and the pace at the Capitol has only picked up. Late-night negotiations, last-minute changes, and important votes are happening. Here's where things currently stand: Budget Agreement Reached We reached a budget agreement late Wednesday night that marks a major win for taxpayers: - Eliminates nearly half of the structural deficit Democrats created after growing government by 40% and raising taxes by $10 billion
- Absolutely NO tax increases on Minnesota families
This agreement is a course correction – cleaning up the mess left behind after two years of one-party DFL control. The budget targets now go to conference committees to work out final details. Some bills will come together quickly, while others may take a bit more time. Our goal is to pass as much as possible by Monday night, with the rest wrapping up soon after. Education Finance Bill: Back on the Floor Today After having a bipartisan negotiated bill sitting at the table for almost two weeks because Education Minnesota and SEIU told DFL members they could not vote for the bill, the education finance bill will finally be voted on today. Coming into session, I heard clearly from actual educators that schools need flexible funding, mandate relief and local control. These three principles served as a guide through the committee process and while drafting the bipartisan negotiated bill. Although not perfect, I will be voting yes on this bill today. Below are the highlights: - Prioritizes funding that is fair and flexible for schools and students by redirecting $150+ million back into classrooms over the next 4 years.
- Invests $40 million into the Read Act while reaffirming our commitment to the Science of Reading and academic achievement.
- Rolls back funding for legislatively named nonprofits.
- Simply put, we should be funding schools to pick their nonprofit partners, not funding nonprofits to pick the schools they want to help.
- Sunsets the UI benefit mandate in September 2028.
- Negotiations resulted in $77 million being redirected from a light rail project to fund the UI mandate for schools for two years.
- Denied MDE budget request increase while also rejecting the Governor’s Plan to slash education funding by more $680.
It has become clear that democrats are working to fund their mandates and cut our schools. I have and will continue to work to cut mandates while funding our schools. Watch an overview video here: Funding Schools Not Mandates What about Non-Public Pupil Aid? This year’s budget targets protect non-public pupil aid, meaning families who homeschool or send their children to charter, or religious schools won’t lose support. I’ll continue standing up for parental rights and educational freedom. It is also important to note that this aid goes directly to public schools and helps cover the cost of transportation, textbooks, nursing and counseling services. If this aid were to be cut, it would result in a public-school employee being cut. Honoring Police Week This week, we recognized National Police Week and passed a House resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s law enforcement officers. I was honored to attend the Scott County Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship Banquet, where we remembered local heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty and supported future officers preparing to enter service.  Wrapping Up the 2025 SessionAs we enter the final days of the legislative session, there’s still work to do but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far. I’ll share a full update once more is finalized in the coming days. Thank you for placing your trust in me to represent our schools, families, and communities. The best legislation comes from real conversations, and I’m grateful for your input, encouragement, and engagement throughout this session. I’ll continue fighting for common-sense solutions and will keep you updated as things wrap up. Be sure to follow my [Facebook page] for video updates and behind-the-scenes highlights over the weekend.   |