Legislative Update – April 11, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
This week marked the end of our “committee deadlines,” the deadline by which most major budget bills must be passed out of their committees to advance to the House Floor. I’ve been working hard all week to advocate for my proposals and bills to be included in the budget bills.
I discussed the details in my weekly radio interview with Rich and Ryan in the Morning in-studio on KYMN, which you can listen to here.
This week I met with Carlton students who traveled all the way to the Capitol to hear about their priorities, talked to current and former Northfield teachers both at the Capitol and virtually, and marched in solidarity with Minnesota Department of Health workers as they rallied to protest Trump/Musk cuts that harm our ability to research and respond to diseases.
Health Committee Hearing
This week I presented my first bill in front of the House Health Finance and Policy Committee. My legislation would establish a sustainable rate for Medical Assistance coverage for home-based phototherapy services to treat newborn jaundice, which affects 2-6% of infants.
I’m proud to report that my bill is supported by Children’s Health Network, Pediatric Home Services, and has bipartisan authorship in the House! I will continue to advocate for this common-sense solution to increase access, lower costs, and keep our kids healthy!
Budget Update Column
Recently, Minnesota House leaders—Democrats and Republicans—released our budget targets for the 2026-27 biennium. This outline balances the budget in the upcoming two-year biennium and reduces the projected deficit by flattening the curve in fast-growing areas.
This compromise framework slows expenditures in areas growing faster than the inflation rate while making new investments in critical areas like education, housing, public safety, and pensions. This is a responsible approach that ensures budget stability now and into the future, helping to avoid dramatic cuts to essential services down the road.
I wrote more in my most recent column for the Northfield News, which you can read here.
Staff Spotlight!
Finally, I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to my legislative assistant, Johnathan Smith. Johnathan works for both me and Representative Heather Keeler from Moorhead, assisting with our constituent services, scheduling, committee work, and so much more!
If you call or email my office, Johnathan’s most likely the first one who will get back to you, and he’s been doing fantastic work this legislative session ensuring my office runs smoothly. Thanks Johnathan!
Stay Connected!
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