Legislative Update 03.28.25

Legislative Update

Dear friends and neighbors,

As I mentioned last week, we are quickly approaching several important committee deadlines, and the pace at the Capitol has been steadily increasing. Much of this week has been dedicated to preparing for the first and second deadlines coming up next Friday. This has involved reviewing bills, meeting with colleagues, discussing key policy proposals, and ensuring that important legislation is ready for consideration. The work has been both demanding and rewarding, as we strive to move forward on critical issues that will impact our communities. I will continue to keep you updated as we reach the first two deadlines next week and then the third deadline the following week.

Chair Knudsen

I had a special opportunity this week to chair the Human Services Committee. Chairs are responsible for running committee meetings by setting the agenda, guiding legislation, and facilitating conversation. Although it was only for a day, I really appreciate Chair Schomacker's trust in me to lead the committee and the opportunity to learn more about the responsibilities of being a chair!

HF897

I had a hearing for HF897 to the Children and Families Committee on Wednesday, and I am so grateful that my family was able to come to the Capitol and support me. This legislation aims to bring the criminal penalties for exposing children and vulnerable adults to fentanyl in line with those for methamphetamine. This is a crucial change that should have been made much earlier, given the widespread impact of the fentanyl crisis across our state. Ensuring the protection of those who cannot defend themselves should always be a top priority. This bill was re-referred to the Public Safety Committee, where I first introduced the bill. I look forward to sharing bill updates as it continues to move towards the House floor.

Education Press Conference

Yesterday, we held a press conference focused on education, specifically addressing Governor Walz's proposed cuts to our schools. These proposed reductions are a step in the wrong direction. We have clear priorities for improving educational outcomes and providing better support for our students—priorities that do not include cutting funding to our schools. Last session, too many unfunded mandates were passed down, placing unnecessary financial strain on our schools and significantly harming their ability to operate effectively. As a result, teachers and staff have been laid off, only making an already difficult situation worse. We must prioritize solutions that truly support our educators and students.

Shoutout to Park Rapids FFA!

Our Park Rapids FFA students participated in their last 'regular season' contest on Tuesday this week, which was also a regional qualifier. These students competed on teams such as Forestry, Crops, Ag Sales, and Best Informed Greenhand. They had much success, especially the Crop team which placed 2nd and punched their ticket to the state tournament. All of the students are now switching gears to prepare for the state competition at the end of April, and I wish them the best of luck! 

More info about their recent competition here.

Please Reach Out

You can reach my office at Rep.Krista.Knudsen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-9918. Follow me on Facebook for more frequent updates.