Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, What a week it’s been at the Capitol! With session in full swing, the energy in St. Paul is nonstop as legislators on both sides of the aisle work hard to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation that benefits Minnesotans. From committee hearings to important meetings with advocates and constituents, every day has been packed with opportunities to move our state forward. I’m excited to share some of this week’s highlights with you—let’s dive in! Investing in Mental Health: House File 1380I’m proud to co-author House File 1380 alongside Representative Heather Keeler (D-Moorhead), a crucial step in expanding access to mental health care for Minnesota’s youth. This bill directs much-needed funding toward the development of a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Clay County, providing intensive, medically necessary treatment services for children and young adults under 21 who are facing complex mental health challenges. H.F. 1380 includes: - $1 million in funding for Clay County to support the final redesign and remodeling of the West Central Regional Juvenile Center’s nonsecure unit into a PRTF.
- Additional grants totaling $2 million over the next two fiscal years to support PRTF start-up and capacity-building efforts statewide.
- A provider-specific per diem rate of at least $1,800 to ensure sustainable operations for the Clay County PRTF.
This investment will expand critical mental health resources for families in need, ensuring that children receive specialized care close to home. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support on this issue and will continue to advocate for solutions that strengthen our mental health infrastructure across Minnesota. Giving Minnesotans Their Money Back: The Fight for HF 4 When the government collects more than it needs, who should benefit—politicians or the taxpayers who actually paid the bill? That’s the question at the heart of House File 4, and I think the answer is pretty clear. HF 4 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2026, allowing Minnesotans to decide whether surplus tax dollars should be automatically returned to taxpayers instead of being funneled into endless government expansion. If this policy had been in place during the $18 billion surplus just a couple of years ago, taxpayers would have seen $5 billion in relief. Instead, Democrats spent it all, raised taxes by another $10 billion, and left us with a looming $6 billion deficit. That’s not fiscal responsibility—that’s reckless. Unfortunately, House Democrats voted against this bill, rejecting the opportunity to return future surpluses directly to the taxpayers who funded them. Instead of putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans, they chose to keep it for more government spending. This bill isn’t about party politics; it’s about common sense. When families, farmers, small business owners, and retirees across Minnesota are struggling with rising costs, the last thing they need is more government waste. HF 4 would ensure that when the state takes in more than it needs, that money goes back to the hardworking people who earned it. It’s simple: Minnesota taxpayers deserve relief, not more bloated budgets. House Republicans are fighting to put this decision where it belongs—with you, the people. Let’s make sure your voice is heard. A Big Win for Small Grain Providers!Great news from the Senate this week! The very first bill passed this session—Senate File 1552—is a big step forward for our small grain providers. This bill strengthens financial reporting requirements for grain buyers, ensuring that farmers have the transparency and accountability they need when doing business. Under this legislation, grain buyers will now be required to submit detailed financial statements that meet higher standards of review, providing additional security for the hardworking farmers who rely on them. By increasing oversight and strengthening licensing regulations, SF 1552 helps protect grain producers from potential financial losses due to insolvency or fraud. Farming is tough enough without having to worry about whether you'll get paid for your hard work. This bill creates a more stable and trustworthy marketplace for Minnesota’s small grain producers, giving them the peace of mind they deserve. It’s great to see bipartisan support for a bill that truly benefits the backbone of our Ag community! |