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! Building a More Prosperous Minnesota I had the opportunity to attend and speak at a great forum hosted by Americans for Prosperity, where community members shared their thoughts on the issues that matter most in our neck of the woods. From the rising cost of living to supporting small businesses and keeping rural Minnesota strong, it was clear that people want policies that promote economic growth, lower taxes, and reduce government overreach. As always, I’m honored to represent the hardworking people of District 17A. Your voices drive the work I do every day, and I’ll continue fighting to make life more affordable, expand opportunities, and ensure prosperity for all Minnesotans!   Fighting for Clean Water in Biscay This week, I had the privilege of presenting House File 228, a bill that aims to secure critical funding for the City of Biscay’s water system—a system that has been in desperate need of replacement. Mayor Gary Koch and City Engineer Tim Korby joined us to highlight the urgency of this issue. Biscay’s water infrastructure is over 80 years old, with dilapidated pipes and a well past its prime. Without assistance, the cost per household would be an unmanageable $68,750 per connection—a burden far too great for a small community of just 103 residents. Many of these residents are retirees or lower-income families who simply cannot shoulder this expense alone. That’s why we’re fighting for $3 million in bonding bill assistance, which would cover 91% of the project costs, ensuring that every home and business in Biscay has access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water. This funding will help build a new water tower, replace old treatment equipment, and overhaul the outdated distribution system. Water is a fundamental human need, and no community should have to worry about whether theirs is safe to drink. With your support, we can make this project a reality for Biscay’s residents. Let’s get this done!  Fighting for Our Conservative Values in D.C. It was great to hear from our amazing Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach and her team today! When we share the same conservative values and principles, I know that District 17A is being heard loud and clear in Washington. A big thank you to Michelle for the heavy lifting she does in Congress and for taking the time to visit with us today from CD7. Her dedication to fighting for rural Minnesota, standing up for our farmers, and pushing back against burdensome federal overreach is truly appreciated! House File 1968: Securing Safe & Reliable Water for Dassel-Cokato Schools On Thursday, I presented House File 1968, a bill that would allocate $419,000 from state bonding funds to help connect the Dassel-Cokato Middle and High School campus to the City of Cokato’s water system. This critical project ensures students and staff have safe, palatable drinking water while also enhancing fire suppression capabilities for the campus. Currently, the school relies on an aging, on-site well that is nearing the end of its service life. By extending the city’s water main system to the school, we’re providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution that improves safety, reliability, and long-term infrastructure planning. I was joined in this effort by Superintendent Mark Raymond, Cokato City Administrator Brad Potter, and Kevin Wilson from the City of Cokato, who all emphasized the importance of this investment for the community. With funding coming from local, state, and federal sources—including $2.19 million from the EPA—this project is on track for completion by Fall 2026, contingent on funding. I’ll continue pushing to get this bill across the finish line and ensure that Dassel-Cokato students, staff, and families have access to the safe and reliable water they deserve!  Supporting Our Local Christian Schools I had the privilege of visiting St. Anastasia Christian School and seeing firsthand the incredible impact they have on our community. Schools like this provide not only quality education but also a strong foundation in faith and values that help shape the next generation. Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget would cut critical funding for schools like St. Anastasia, including transportation support that helps families access these educational opportunities. It’s disappointing to see policies that put these schools at risk, and I’ll continue to stand up for families and fight for fair funding that ensures all students—no matter where they learn—have the resources they need to succeed.   A Great Day at The Big Little Hunting and Fishing Expo! It’s always a fun and educational experience attending The Big Little Hunting and Fishing Expo in Hutchinson with family. This year was no exception! The Minnesota DNR Wall of Shame served as a powerful reminder of the importance of ethical hunting and fishing practices, showcasing the unfortunate reality of poaching. Beyond that, it was great to connect with so many outstanding people who share a passion for the outdoors. Events like these highlight the strong traditions that make our communities great!   A Celebration of Art and Creativity  I had the chance to visit a fantastic art exhibit, and as an artist, experiences like this are truly good for the soul. Art has a unique way of bringing people together, sparking creativity, and enriching our communities. A huge thank you to the sponsors who made this exhibit possible! Supporting the arts is essential, and I’m grateful for those who invest in creative spaces that inspire and uplift us all.   Please Reach OutAs 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 |