Legislative Update Hello from St. Paul! This past week at the Capitol has been a busy and important one as we reached the third and final legislative deadline and continued working toward finalizing the state budget. As committees wrap up their work and we prepare for floor debates on major budget bills, I remain focused on ensuring that the voices and values of our communities are reflected in every conversation. It’s always a privilege to represent you, and I’m grateful for the many constituents and advocacy groups who took the time to visit with me and share their perspectives. Meetings and Events McLeod CountyOn Friday of last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the McLeod County Board of Commissioners and several department heads to talk through their top state priorities and the challenges they’re facing at the local level. One issue that came up repeatedly, and that I continue to hear from residents across our district, is the growing burden of property taxes, along with unfunded or poorly thought-out mandates handed down by the state. These concerns are real, and they’re not going away on their own. I’m committed to being part of the solution and will continue pushing for legislative action that respects local control, reduces unnecessary mandates, and brings relief to taxpayers.  Pension DayOn Tuesday, as part of Education Minnesota’s Pension Day at the Capitol, I had the chance to meet with educators from Watertown-Mayer High School to talk about teacher pensions and other issues impacting our schools. Bill McDonald and Edwin Rundell made the trip to St. Paul to share their concerns and perspectives on the current pension proposals. I appreciated hearing directly from them about how these policies affect not only their own futures, but also the ability of our schools to attract and retain great teachers. These conversations are important as we work toward solutions that support both our educators and the long-term sustainability of the pension system.  Veterans Day on the HillOn Wednesday, I was proud to attend Veterans Day on the Hill and meet with veterans from Carver and Sibley counties who came to the Capitol to share their stories and advocate for the support they’ve earned. It was powerful to see so many veterans show up to make their voices heard and call for increased responsiveness from state government on the issues that matter most to them—from access to services and benefits, to housing and mental health support. I’m deeply grateful for their service, and I remain committed to ensuring that Minnesota honors that service not just with words, but with meaningful action.    Supporting Our CommunitiesOn Thursday, I presented HF 460 in committee, a capital investment bill that would support critical infrastructure improvements in Sibley County. The proposal would help fund the design and construction of sanitary sewer, water main, storm system infrastructure, and road improvements as part of the County State-Aid Highway 21 project. These upgrades are essential to supporting growth and ensuring the long-term viability of local infrastructure. I was joined by Tim Becker, Sibley County Public Works Director, and Steve Helget, City Administrator for Gaylord, who offered strong testimony about the importance of this project to the region. I’ll continue advocating for this investment and working to make sure our rural communities aren’t left behind when it comes to infrastructure funding.  |