Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’ve made it—the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session are upon us! After months of heavy lifting in committees (where the real political fireworks have been popping off), we’re now shifting to the main event: floor debates. And if you thought committee meetings were wild, just wait until you see what’s coming next. Today, April 4th, marks not one but two major budget deadlines. The first deadline means all policy bills have officially cleared their respective House committees, and the second means those same bills have made it through the Senate. We're checking boxes and moving fast! Next Friday, April 11th, is the third and final deadline—by then, all finance bills must be approved by their committees. Translation: the legislative gears are turning at full speed. With the House locked in a 67-67 tie, we have the numbers to block radical left legislation and stop overbearing tax hikes dead in their tracks. That’s a huge win for Minnesota! And just imagine—if we keep this momentum going for the next two years, what else could we accomplish? The future is looking bright, and I’m grateful to be in the thick of it with all of you cheering us on. Stay tuned—it’s about to get interesting! Budget Breakthrough: A Step in the Right DirectionBig news from the Capitol—over the weekend, House Republicans and Democrats reached a budget framework agreement, and let’s just say, it’s a big win for common sense. For starters, this plan slashes $3.9 billion from the current budget—making it the largest spending reduction in state history. It also cuts $2.6 billion from the projected 2028-2029 deficit, helping clean up the mess left after Democrats blew through an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and expanded government spending by 40%. We’re holding the line against new tax hikes and making government leaner, smarter, and more efficient—ensuring Minnesotans get the services they need without the waste. It’s not a perfect fix, but it’s a major step in the right direction. House Republicans will keep fighting for a responsible budget that puts taxpayers first. Stay tuned—there’s more work ahead! Strengthening Standards for Central Service Technicians: HF 1883 This week in the Health Committee, I had the pleasure of presenting House File 1883 This bill sets important standards for central service technicians—the professionals who decontaminate, inspect, assemble, package, and sterilize reusable medical instruments and devices in our healthcare facilities. It’s all about ensuring patient safety and acknowledging the essential role these technicians play in our healthcare system. I’m incredibly proud of the fantastic team that helped bring this bill to life—seriously, I couldn’t have done it without them. Their commitment and behind-the-scenes expertise reflect exactly what HF 1883 aims to achieve. Onward we go—working toward a safer, more efficient healthcare system, one policy at a time!  Staff Spotlight: Isabelle & Avery! This week I wanted to take a moment to highlight two fantastic legislative assistants and great office mates, Isabelle Warwas and Avery.Severson! A bit about Isabelle: She’s fairly new to all-things-MN-legislature. She got involved as a doorknocker in a (successful!) House race last year, and somewhere along the way decided that it would be pretty cool to be an LA, and has been with us for a few months now. When not at the Capitol, Isabelle loves spending time with her siblings and parents up on the Iron Range, as well as her niece and nephews, and her cat, Smidvarg. She also enjoys baking, and regularly brings a new treat to the office. A bit about Avery: This is her first year working at the Capitol! However, she has worked on campaigns for the past two election cycles, wrote the afterword in Alpha News Reporter Liz Collin’s book, and has been involved in the conservative political space for over five years. When not at the Capitol, Avery spends time with her family and friends, going to her cabin, and being on the lake in the summertime! I am so grateful for both of these incredible women and the energy that they bring to the Capitol!  Great Conversation with McLeod County on Legislative Priorities I had a fantastic meeting with McLeod County to discuss their legislative priorities, and it was an impactful conversation all around! It was great to sit down with the commissioner and learn about the issues that are top of mind for the county, as well as the innovative ways they’re working to help our communities thrive. We talked about everything from local infrastructure needs to supporting our cities and counties in ways that will create lasting, positive change. It's always inspiring to see how dedicated our local leaders are to improving life for residents, and I’m excited to work together to make sure they have the resources and support they need. Thanks to the McLeod County team for a great chat, and I look forward to continuing to find solutions that will help our counties and cities grow and prosper! A Fantastic Visit for Uponor’s Day at the Capitol! I had the pleasure of meeting with Aubrey Mozer, Kate Olinger, Chrissie Walsh, and Kallie Cummings during Uponor’s Day at the Capitol, and it was an absolute highlight! These incredible professionals represent a manufacturing company with facilities in Hutchinson and Apple Valley. Their commitment to innovation and quality in the manufacturing industry is truly inspiring. We had a fantastic conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and I’m so grateful for the insights they shared. It’s always a privilege to connect with local businesses that are driving economic growth and creating jobs right here in Minnesota. Thank you to Aubrey, Kate, Chrissie, and Kallie for taking the time to visit and for your continued dedication to the industry. Together, we’re building a stronger future for Minnesota’s workforce and economy! Stay in Touch!I want to give a huge shoutout to all of the incredible committee chairs who are working tirelessly alongside leadership and staff to reduce our budget deficit. We’ve got a lot of challenges ahead, but I truly believe that we will come out of this stronger than ever. It’s all about working together—collaboration is key, and I know that by staying united, we’ll rise above the challenges and set our state on a path to long-term success! As always, your thoughts and concerns matter to me, and I’m always here to listen. Whether it’s a question, an idea, or just a quick hello, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can call my office at 651-296-4228, email me at rep.dawn.gillman@house.mn.gov, or connect with me on Facebook for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at the Capitol. Representing District 17A is an incredible honor, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve you. Together, we’ll keep fighting for a stronger, freer, and more prosperous Minnesota! Talk soon, Representative Dawn Gillman Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A |