Legislative UpdateHello, Friends and Neighbors! I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the almost spring weather—Minnesota sure likes to keep us on our toes! Things have been moving fast at the Capitol, and let’s just say, there’s never a dull moment. Between heated debates, important bills moving forward, and the occasional shamrock shake break (thanks to some generous folks on Hospitality Day!), there’s plenty to update you on. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s been happening under the dome! A New Dynamic in the Minnesota HouseWell, things just got a little more interesting at the Minnesota House. With the Roseville special election now settled, we’re officially looking at a 67-67 tie. While that doesn’t drastically change the vote math (we still need at least one Democrat to pass a bill), it does have some major implications for how things operate—especially in committees. Here’s what’s different:- Most committees are now evenly split between Republicans and Democrats—except for the Fraud and Oversight Committee.
- Committee chairs will switch back and forth every other day, meaning which party runs the show will change regularly.
- Nothing moves forward without bipartisan cooperation—if a bill doesn’t have support from both sides, it won’t make it out of committee.
What does this mean for us? Well, it forces both sides to work together—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—but it also means we’re in for some more intense committee debates and tougher budget talks. At the end of the day, my priorities haven’t changed. I’m here to fight for fiscal responsibility, smarter spending, and infrastructure investments that make sense for Minnesotans. We’ve seen what happens when the budget gets out of control, and we can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes. The last point about state spending outpacing state revenue comes as no surprise. That is because Democrats spent the state’s $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and increased the state budget by 40 percent with the budget they enacted in 2023. It should also be noted that the total amount of spending from all funds is $128 billion. When is enough, enough? It’s time to roll up our sleeves, work together, and make some real budget cuts. We need to prioritize real needs, rein in reckless spending, and ensure our state is on solid financial ground for the future. No more kicking the can down the road—Minnesotans deserve better. Celebrating My Daughter, Olivia Gillman, During Women in Construction Week This week, I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate my daughter, Olivia Gillman, who was featured by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in honor of Women in Construction Week! Olivia is making waves in the industry as both a pile driver and commercial diver—roles that require immense skill, strength, and determination. She has never backed down from a challenge, and watching her excel in a field where women are still underrepresented has been truly inspiring. Olivia’s dedication and hard work prove that barriers are meant to be broken, and she is paving the way for future generations of women in construction. I am beyond proud of her accomplishments and the example she sets every day. Congratulations, Olivia—keep reaching new heights! You can read more about her story [here!] House File 146 Moving to the Taxes Committee!I’m happy to share that House File 146, a bill I authored to provide aid penalty forgiveness to the City of Stewart, is now moving forward to the Taxes Committee! This bill ensures that Stewart receives its 2023 Local Government Aid (LGA) payment of $87,501.50, which was previously withheld due to a reporting issue. Cities like Stewart rely on LGA funds to support essential services, and this bill gives them a much-needed second chance—provided the state auditor receives their financial report by June 1, 2025. This is a one-time appropriation, but it makes a real difference for a small community like Stewart. I’ll keep pushing to get this bill across the finish line so that Stewart gets the resources it needs! Stay tuned for updates as it moves through the process. A Sweet St. Patrick’s Day Surprise! A huge thank you to the organizers of Hospitality Day on the Hill—your hard work and generosity truly made the day special! And an extra shoutout to those who brought in Shamrock Shakes to help get us all in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Nothing like a little minty green goodness to power through a busy day at the Capitol! I got into the spirit with my seatmate and all-around awesome legislator, Rep. Bernie Perryman—because when you’ve got good company and a Shamrock Shake in hand, how can you not have a great day? Thanks again to everyone who helped make this event such a fun and festive one! Taking the Time to Get Paid Family Leave RightPaid Family and Medical Leave is an important program designed to help Minnesotans take care of their loved ones without sacrificing financial stability. House File 11, as it currently stands, accelerates the rollout of this program—but we’re advocating for a more measured approach to make sure it is implemented effectively and responsibly. One key aspect of PFML that many people may not realize is how it will be funded. Paid Family and Medical Leave isn’t free—just like Social Security or unemployment insurance, the funding will come directly from your paycheck. Employees and employers will both be required to contribute, meaning you’ll see a new deduction on your earnings to cover the cost of the program. Other states that have rushed implementation on similar programs have faced serious challenges, including delayed benefits, overwhelmed systems, higher-than-expected costs, and confusion for both businesses and employees. By taking a little more time to refine the rollout, we can ensure that the system is ready, businesses have the tools they need to comply, and Minnesotans fully understand how the program will affect their take-home pay. Delaying the rollout isn’t about stopping Paid Family Leave—it’s about making sure it actually works for the people who need it most, without creating unnecessary hardships for workers or businesses. Great Conversation with Future Leaders I had the pleasure of meeting with Sam Luhmann from Hamline University and Ava Dobratz from Gustavus Adolphus College this week. It’s always inspiring to connect with passionate young leaders who are engaged in shaping the future of our state. We had a fantastic discussion about the issues that matter to students and the broader Minnesota community. Their insights and dedication are a great reminder of why we do this work—ensuring a strong future for the next generation. Thanks, Sam and Ashley, for taking the time to meet! Keep up the great work! Honoring Hanne Lore Gillman on International Women’s Day On this International Women’s Day, I want to take a moment to recognize a truly incredible woman—my mother-in-law, Hanne Lore Gillman. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and unwavering courage, and she has been a constant source of inspiration in my life. Hanne Lore is a World War II prisoner of war survivor—a testament to the kind of perseverance and grit most of us can only begin to comprehend. After surviving unimaginable hardships, she made the courageous decision to immigrate legally to the United States, embracing a new life with bravery and determination. She didn’t just start over—she thrived, building a family and a legacy that has shaped all of us who are blessed to know her. Her “just go for it” attitude has always been a guiding force in my life. When challenges arise, I think of the leaps she took, the obstacles she overcame, and the steadfastness she carried through it all. None of us would be where we are today without her perseverance. Now, Hanne Lore resides at Cokato Manor in Cokato, Minnesota, where she is surrounded by compassionate caregivers who provide the support and dignity our seniors deserve. Her journey is a powerful reminder of why I strongly support long-term care facilities and the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to care for our loved ones. The work they do is not just essential—it’s a profound service to families across Minnesota, ensuring that those who have given so much are cared for with respect and compassion. Hanne Lore’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life. Today, and every day, I honor her strength and the strength of so many women like her who shape our world in ways big and small. Happy International Women’s Day to Hanne Lore and to all the incredible women who inspire us to be braver, work harder, and never give up.  Fighting for Our Seniors and Most VulnerableGovernor Walz’s budget proposal isn’t just disappointing—it’s dangerous. Slashing $68 million from nursing facilities and gutting $280 million from disability services is nothing short of a betrayal to Minnesota’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. These cuts will put long-term care providers in an impossible position, forcing some to reduce services and others to close their doors entirely. Let’s be clear: our long-term care system is already at a breaking point. With facilities struggling to keep up with rising costs, staffing shortages, and growing demand, these reckless cuts will only make things worse. Instead of supporting our seniors and vulnerable populations, the Governor’s plan is pulling the rug out from under them. I refuse to stand by and watch this happen. Our seniors deserve dignity, not budget cuts. The caregivers who show up every day to do this critical work deserve better. I will fight tooth and nail to stop these harmful reductions and push for real solutions that strengthen—not weaken—long-term care in Minnesota.This isn’t just about numbers on a budget sheet. It’s about real people—our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends—who rely on these services. I stand with them, and I will not back down. You can read more about the budget proposal here. 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 |