Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, Time is flying at the Capitol, and I am happy to say that we’re officially in the home stretch—just eight weeks until our May 19 adjournment deadline! The heat is on to pass a fiscally responsible budget and tackle the key issues that matter most to Minnesotans across our great state! The biggest challenge on our plate? A looming $6 billion deficit. After the previous Democrat trifecta burned through an $18 billion surplus and cranked up government spending by 40%, we’re now left with the tough task of getting our state’s finances back in shape. And with the House locked in a 67-67 tie, every debate and decision carries even more weight. I’ll keep you in the loop as budget talks progress, but for now, here’s a quick rundown of what’s been happening this week at the Capitol! Stay tuned. Governor Walz’s Budget Proposal: A Crisis of His Own MakingLet’s call it like it is—The previous Democrat trifecta created this budget disaster, and now they’re scrambling to clean it up at the expense of hardworking Minnesotans. After blowing through a record $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion, and inflating government spending by 40%, we’re staring down the barrel of a $6 billion deficit—a direct result of reckless fiscal mismanagement. And instead of taking responsibility, Governor Walz is doubling down on the same failed policies that got us here. His budget proposal takes aim at essential services, making deep and harmful cuts to: - Nursing homes that provide critical care for our seniors.
- Education, slashing nonpublic pupil aid and merit-based teacher pay while forcing 65+ unfunded mandates onto already struggling school districts.
- Medicaid services for people with disabilities, leaving some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans without the support they rely on.
As if that weren’t bad enough, Walz wants to shift over $1.5 billion in costs to local counties, setting the stage for property tax hikes of up to 9%—hitting families and small businesses the hardest. Even county leaders are sounding the alarm about how devastating this would be. And while he’s cutting vital services, Walz and the Democrats are still spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on benefits for illegal immigrants—all while pushing for yet another tax hike through a sales tax increase. Minnesota has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. House Republicans won’t stand by while Democrats try to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable. We believe in fiscal responsibility, real priorities, and putting Minnesota taxpayers first. There’s more than enough money to fund what truly matters—we just need leadership that actually understands that. Tackling Health & Human Services—One Panel at a Time! Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining Rep. Luke Fredrick (D-Mankato) and Rep. Heather Keeler (D-Moorhead) on a panel to discuss Health and Human Services issues across Minnesota. We covered everything from ensuring families get the support they need to tackling challenges in healthcare access—because let’s be honest, navigating these systems shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. It was a great conversation with passionate advocates, policymakers, and community members who are committed to making real change. Big thanks to my fellow panelists for their insights and dedication—teamwork makes the dream work! Now, back to the Capitol to turn these discussions into action. Stay tuned!  Cracking Down on Fraud: A Big Step for Minnesota TaxpayersWe’ve seen it time and time again—millions of dollars lost to fraud, wasted on mismanagement instead of helping the people who actually need it. Minnesotans deserve better. That’s why I’m proud to share that Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) has launched MNFraud.com, a secure and confidential website for reporting fraud in state government. This new tool gives state employees, service providers, and everyday Minnesotans a direct way to report suspected fraud in publicly funded programs—without fear of retaliation. The site is completely secure, and all tips will be reviewed by the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee. We’re making it clear: Minnesota tax dollars should go to Minnesotans—not fraudsters. If you suspect waste or abuse in state government, visit www.MNFraud.com and help us hold the system accountable. Let’s work together to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in our government! Making Waves for Clean Water in Silver Lake! On Wednesday, I had the privilege of standing alongside Silver Lake Mayor Bruce Bebo and City Engineer Sam Fink as they testified in support of funding for a much-needed water treatment facility. Clean, reliable water isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity—and Silver Lake is ready to get this project across the finish line. It was great to hear directly from local leaders who are fighting to ensure their community has the infrastructure it deserves. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get this water project done—because everyone deserves to turn on the tap without worrying about what’s coming out! Securing Clean Water for Silver Lake Silver Lake’s residents deserve safe, clean, and reliable drinking water—but right now, that’s not their reality. High levels of iron, manganese, and ammonia are affecting water quality, while outdated infrastructure threatens both public health and the city’s future growth. That’s why I’ve introduced House file 942, a key bonding bill to fund essential improvements that will ensure Silver Lake’s water and wastewater systems meet modern standards. The Problem: - No existing water treatment facility—leading to water discoloration, odor, and safety concerns.
- A 100-year-old, undersized water tower that can’t meet community demand.
- Overloaded wastewater treatment ponds, failing lift stations, and an inadequate storm sewer system.
- Deteriorating sewer lines and failing streets in desperate need of reconstruction.
The Solution: - This bonding bill requests $9.2 million to fund priority projects, including:
- A new water treatment facility ($3M)
- A new drinking water storage facility ($2.3M)
- Upgrades to wastewater treatment and lift stations ($2.2M)
- Street and utility reconstruction ($1.7M)
These investments will make a real difference in the daily lives of Silver Lake’s residents, ensuring access to clean water, modern infrastructure, and a stronger foundation for the future. I’m proud to champion this bill, and I’ll keep fighting to secure the resources our communities need. 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 |