Dear friends and neighbors, I am pleased to bring you an update of the past week at the Capitol. Much has happened, including committee meetings, press conferences, and floor sessions. I will highlight the main happenings of this week, including a tribute to my late cousin, Chris. Honoring Chris MalandIt is with a heavy heart that I share with you about the loss of my cousin, Chris. Chris and I grew up in Fairmont, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school in 1999. Chris was fatally shot in the line of duty this week as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Vermont, near the Canadian border. Chris dedicated his life to the service of his country, community, and family. He served as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Marshall, Independent Contractor for Federal Security, Special Security Detail at the White House and the Pentagon, and as an Air Force veteran. Chris was on duty at the Pentagon on 9/11.  Throughout his years of humble service, he was offered many opportunities for promotion and personal advancement. However, he always declined because he was far more interested in making a difference and doing his job in the field. Chris died in the line of duty, serving to protect his country. I cherish the memories that we have together and mourn his sacrifice. I gave a tribute to Chris' life of service and requested a moment of silence on the House floor this Thursday.  March for Life It was an honor to attend both the Park Rapids March for Life event last weekend as well as the MCCL March for Life on the Capitol steps this Wednesday. Especially as a mom, I am a staunch supporter of this movement to protect children. I believe that every human life is valuable and I am grateful for rallies such as these. Thank you to everyone who attended with me, braving the cold to show their support for the pro-life movement.  Session PrioritiesWe introduced our first ten bills this week, which are in the process of committee hearings. These bills highlight our main goals and how we aim to achieve them. Our specific goals for this session can be summarized in the following 6 ideas: - Stop the Fraud
- Make Minnesota Affordable
- Make Minnesota Safe
- Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
- Use Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
- Build for the Future
As our first bills make their way through the House, I will continue to share updates on our actions and how we are accomplishing our goals and improving Minnesota. Half of the House is Still MissingSince the beginning of the boycott last week, my Democrat colleagues still have not shown up for work. While their behavior is unacceptable and they owe it to Minnesotans to come to work at the Capitol, I am unwavering in my commitment. I am honored to be at work for you to make a difference in Minnesota.  |