Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, I hope you’ve found ways to stay cozy despite the frigid cold front we’ve had! But don’t worry—warmer days are on the horizon with temps expected to rise above freezing this weekend. Relief is just around the corner! It’s been an action-packed week here at the Capitol. Committees are buzzing, bills are moving, and the House floor is heating up as we dig into the big issues that matter to all Minnesotans. Sure, there were a few bumps along the way with the Supreme Court’s ruling on quorum requirements, but nothing’s going to slow us down—we’re here to get the job done! Lately, I’ve heard from many of you about your concerns regarding the ongoing waste, fraud, and abuse in our systems, and the focus on the federal match rather than addressing these critical issues. I want to assure you that I hear you loud and clear! While some may be preoccupied with political distractions, House Republicans are laser-focused on rooting out fraud, lowering costs, and making sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. Minnesotans deserve a government that works for them and tackles the real problems that affect us all. We Republicans are energized, engaged, and ready to keep pushing forward. Let’s keep the momentum going and get Minnesota back on track! Supporting Mental Health: A Heartfelt Testimony from Ellie Skelton This week, I had the honor of hearing from Ellie Skelton of Touchstone Mental Health, who testified in support of House File 98—a bill Rep. Fischer and I are co-authoring to increase support for mental health services across Minnesota. This legislation aims to expand funding for mental health programs and improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas. Ellie’s testimony was powerful, highlighting the real challenges people face when seeking mental health care and the urgent need for more resources. As we continue to push for this legislation, hearing directly from experts like Ellie reminds us just how important it is to ensure that mental health support is accessible to everyone in our state. I’m incredibly grateful for Ellie’s work at Touchstone and for the dedication she brings to improving mental health services in our community. Together, we can make sure all Minnesotans have the support they need when it matters most. Thank you, Ellie, for being such a strong advocate for mental health in Minnesota. A Touch of Gopher Greatness at the Capitol! This week, I had the incredible honor of standing alongside a true piece of Minnesota sports history—Paul Bunyan’s Axe! As the ultimate symbol of our state’s fierce football rivalry, holding it felt like holding a legacy of grit, determination, and maybe a little friendly smack talk over the years. But the real highlight? Koi Perich, standout University of Minnesota football player, who brought some serious energy and excitement to the Capitol. His passion for the game and his dedication to representing Minnesota with pride is truly inspiring. A huge shout-out to Koi for stopping by and giving the Capitol a touch of Gopher greatness! We’re all rooting for him—on and off the field! A Great Visit with Meeker Cooperative! I had the pleasure of meeting with the fantastic team from Meeker Cooperative this week, and it was an absolute treat! These folks do incredible work in our community, and it was great to connect with them and hear more about their efforts to serve the area. It’s always inspiring to meet with organizations like Meeker Cooperative, who are dedicated to supporting local communities and working hard to improve the lives of their members. Thank you for stopping by and for all the great work you’re doing! I’m excited to continue working together to keep our communities strong and thriving! Celebrating Hardworking Small Business Owners: Mona & Steve Strolberg! Some of the best visits at the Capitol come from the people who keep our communities running—hardworking small business owners like Mona and Steve Strolberg from Cokato Licensing! These two are the definition of dedication, making sure folks in their area get the licensing services they need while running a business with heart and hustle. We had a fantastic conversation about the ups and downs of owning a small business in Minnesota—navigating regulations, serving the community, and keeping things moving. Their passion for what they do is truly inspiring, and small businesses like theirs are the backbone of our local economies! A huge thank you to Mona and Steve for stopping by and for everything they do for Cokato and beyond. Small businesses aren’t just businesses—they’re dreams, they’re livelihoods, and they’re what make our towns feel like home. I’ll always stand with the entrepreneurs who make Minnesota thrive! Bulldogs at the Capitol! It’s always a great day when we get to welcome students to the Capitol, and this week, we had some fantastic visitors from the University of Minnesota Duluth! These awesome students stopped by to share their experiences and talk about the issues that matter most to them. A special shout-out to Jacob Hauer from Hutchinson! It’s always great to connect with constituents, especially those who are stepping up as leaders in their communities and schools. Jacob and his fellow Bulldogs brought great energy and insight to our conversations, and I’m grateful for the chance to hear directly from them. Thank you to these UMD students for stopping by and for your commitment to making Minnesota better. Keep up the great work, and go Bulldogs! Talking Agriculture with Minnesota’s Soybean Leaders! It was a pleasure to sit down with Brad Hovel and Bob Lindeman from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) this week at the Capitol! Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and organizations like MSGA play a crucial role in advocating for Minnesota’s farmers and the issues that impact them most. We had a great discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing soybean growers, from market access to sustainability and the importance of supporting our Ag economy. Their insight and dedication to the industry are invaluable, and I appreciate their hard work in ensuring Minnesota agriculture remains strong. A big thank you to Brad, Bob, and the entire MSGA team for your advocacy and for keeping Minnesota’s farm communities at the forefront. I’ll always stand with our farmers! Staff Spotlight: Megan Rossbach This week, I am excited to highlight my amazing Committee Administrator, Megan Rossbach! Megan has worked in politics her entire career and has been with the Legislature since 2023. She started as a Legislative Assistant before being promoted to Committee Administrator, and she’s thrilled to be working with Vice Chair Gillman on the Human Services Committee this session! Before joining the Capitol, Megan had the amazing opportunity to work for the Republican National Committee, where she was involved in two presidential elections. She even worked on President Trump’s 2017 Presidential Inauguration Committee, an unforgettable experience! When she’s not working at the Capitol, Megan loves working out, spending time with friends and family, and checking out the latest restaurants. She also has a passion for gardening—and firmly believes you can never have too many plants! We’re lucky to have Megan on the team, and I’m so grateful for all the hard work she does every day! Stay Connected!As always, I’m here to listen and serve you. Please feel free to reach out to my office at 651-296-4228, by email at rep.dawn.gillman@house.mn.gov or follow me on Facebook for more frequent updates! Thank you for the honor of representing District 17A. Together, we will keep working toward making Minnesota a better place to live for all. Sincerely, Representative Dawn Gillman
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A |