Legislative Update It’s all hands on deck here at the Capitol as we head into the final stretch of budget season. Today, April 11, marks our third and final budget deadline—which means all spending bills must be approved in their respective committees to keep moving forward. Think of it as the last big sorting day before the bills head to the floor for debate! Right now, we’re in the thick of negotiations, working hard to craft a budget that lives within its means. That means no new taxes on hardworking Minnesotans. Families, farmers, and small businesses are already feeling the pinch, and we’re determined not to make it worse. It’s time for government to tighten its belt—not yours. Once the clock hits noon on Friday, April 11, legislators will head back to their districts for a brief spring break. We’ll be using that time to reconnect with the folks we represent (you!), gather feedback, and come back ready to hit the gas on final budget work starting April 21 at noon. Stay tuned—things are moving fast, and we’re committed to delivering a responsible, sustainable budget that reflects the priorities of Minnesotans. Let’s finish strong! Fighting for Our Classrooms: The “Save Our Schools” PlanAs we hit our third and final budget deadline this week, House Republicans are bringing forward a bold, commonsense package of bills to help Save Our Schools! Our message is simple: we trust our teachers, principals, and local school boards to do what’s best for their classrooms—not bureaucrats in St. Paul. Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed education budget has missed the mark. It cuts nearly $240 million from local schools—slashing teacher development funding, shifting the cost of special education transportation, and eliminating support for nursing, mental health, and textbooks for nonpublic school students. Meanwhile, the Department of Education’s budget keeps growing. That’s not the kind of math we like to see. So, what’s our plan? A series of bills that return control, flexibility, and support to our schools: HF 2318 & HF 2329: Support our teachers by offering earlier retirement options—because those who’ve given 30 years deserve a break. HF 2388: More direct funding for local schools—$100 more per student to help our districts do what they do best. HF 2201: Redirects savings to fund student meals and keep free breakfasts and lunches going strong for families who need it. HF 1803: Cuts red tape for special education teachers so they can spend more time with students, not paperwork. HF 1435: Empowers schools to innovate without needing a green light from the Commissioner. HF 1052: Helps maintain safe learning environments by allowing short-term suspensions for our youngest, most disruptive students. HF 957: Lets schools implement mandates on their own timelines to fit local needs. HF 56: Combines student support and school safety aid to give schools more flexibility with their funding. This is what education policy should look like—focused on students, respectful of educators, and grounded in local leadership. Our educators are the experts in the room, and it’s time we treat them that way. Let’s save our schools and give our kids, teachers, and communities the support they deserve! You can view the full press conference on our solution [HERE].  Honoring Our Heroes I was truly honored to be invited to Veterans Day on the Hill by Monte and VFW Post 906. Thank you for the warm welcome and the meaningful conversation—we covered a lot in a short time, and I left feeling inspired by your unwavering dedication to service. It’s always a privilege to spend time with those who have given so much for our country. Your continued advocacy reminds us all that patriotism doesn’t stop after active duty—it carries on in how we support one another, fight for veterans' needs, and stand up for the values that make our country strong. Thank you again for your commitment, your voice, and your service. It means the world.   Investing in Hutchinson’s Future: House File 234 Rolls Forward This past Thursday, I had the opportunity to present House File 234 in the Capital Investment Committee—an important bonding bill that would bring $6.4 million in funding for a tempered vehicle and equipment storage and fueling facility at the Hutchinson Area Transportation Services facility. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A heated garage?” But in Minnesota, where our winters can be extremely unforgiving, protecting public transit vehicles from the cold is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. This investment will help improve the longevity and reliability of Hutchinson’s transit fleet, ensure quicker service on those chilly mornings, and support the hardworking crews that keep our communities connected. The bill authorizes state bond funding for this essential infrastructure project, and I’m proud to carry it forward. Because at the end of the day, good governance means smart investments that serve the people—and in this case, that means keeping our buses warm and our transit systems running strong. More to come as this bill moves through the process—stay tuned! You can view my full testimony on House File 234 [HERE]. Standing Up For Private Education Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting Immanuel Lutheran School—and let me tell you, what an inspiring group! Every time I sit down with our local teachers, it reinforces just how vital their work is and how much they pour into shaping the next generation. Our private schools, like Immanuel Lutheran, rely heavily on state aid to continue offering high-quality education and values-based learning environments. With recent discussions of funding cuts on the table, it’s more important than ever that we step up and ensure these schools get the support they deserve. The educators at Immanuel are doing incredible work, and we need to have their backs. That’s why I’ll continue pushing to protect the resources they need to thrive. Because when we invest in education—public or private—we invest in Minnesota’s future. Back to School with Hutchinson 6th Graders! What an absolute joy it was to spend time with the bright and curious 6th graders from Hutchinson this past week! These young minds came ready with thoughtful questions and big ideas about how government works—and I have to say, they definitely kept me on my toes. It’s always refreshing to hear from the next generation of Minnesotans, and moments like these are a reminder of why we do this work in the first place. Watching their excitement as they toured the Capitol and learned about our state’s history was truly heartwarming.   An extra-special treat? I got to see my cousin Tiffany and her daughter Alice during the visit! Catching up with family while connecting with future leaders? That’s a win-win in my book. Thanks to Hutchinson Middle School for the visit—I look forward to seeing where these young scholars go from here!   Standing Up for Minnesota's Workforce I recently had the pleasure of meeting with some incredible women from AFSCME MN Council 5. We had a great conversation about the issues that matter most to Minnesota’s public employees—from fair wages to safe working conditions—and I’m grateful for the chance to hear their insights firsthand. As someone who proudly supports our labor unions, I believe in standing up for the rights of workers across the board. But I also know that Minnesota's workforce is diverse, and I deeply respect those who choose a different path. Independent contractors, non-union workers, small business owners—I support you too. I’ve always been a champion of the free market and believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive, no matter their professional background. Whether you punch a timecard, run your own shop, or contract on your own terms, I’ll keep working to ensure Minnesota remains a great place to earn a living and chase your goals! Celebrating Our Hometown Heroes in Education This week, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Heidi and Mark Little to the Capitol. Heidi is a fantastic teacher at Dassel Elementary, and Mark serves as a dedicated pastor in the Cokato community. It was such a joy to reconnect and hear about the incredible work they’re doing back home. I’m always inspired by the passion and heart our educators bring to the classroom. Hearing directly from Heidi about her experience shaping young minds reminded me just how vital our teachers are to the future of our district. A big thank you to Heidi—and to all the teachers out there—for your commitment to helping our kids grow, learn, and thrive. You are truly making a difference every single 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 |