Legislative Update Feb. 28, 2025

Legislative Update 

Dear friends,
 

It has been another busy week at the Capitol. I introduced two bills this week, House File 337 and House File 500.

HF 337, Funding Greater MN Ambulance Services, was heard in the Health Committee and seeks to establish an Ambulance Operating Deficit Grant Program Account. This program would provide financial assistance to ambulance services facing operational deficits, helping ensure that emergency medical services remain available in our communities. The bill also includes reporting requirements to maintain transparency and accountability in how the funds are allocated and used. 

HF 500 Mandates with No Funding Is Irresponsible, was also heard in the Health Committee. This bill aims to repeal repeal the Nursing Home Standards Board, unless the MN legislature funds the additional costs for the mandates. Additionally, HF 500 seeks to eliminate the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, reducing administrative burdens on nursing home facilities. The goal of this legislation is to provide relief to nursing homes so they can focus on delivering quality care to residents without unnecessary financial and regulatory strain. 

HF 25 Supporting Women Bill, was heard in the Judiciary Committee on Thursday. This reinstates 4 m/year of biennium to fund pregnancy resource centers/maternity homes. For 17 years, there was bipartisan support in the Senate and the House for these services and in 2023, the Democrats deleted all funding. Sexual and Reproductive Health Service grants are funded for services received at Planned Parenthood etc. and my bill does not change this, or a woman’s choice for an abortion. My bill simply re-instates the other two options which existed for 17 years; pregnancy resource centers & maternity homes. The reality is without options, there is no choice. The word choice implies more than one option, and my bill does just that.

House Updates

House Republicans have been tackling fraud in the House Fraud and Oversight Committee. Click here to watch the video below from Monday’s fraud committee.

Last week Rep. Scott introduced HF 12 which protects women's sports. The proposed legislation is designed to preserve fairness and the safety of Minnesota’s young female athletes. 

The bill specifically targets situations where educational institutions have established athletic teams or sports restricted to women or girls. It would ensure that only those who are biologically female can participate in those competitions, maintaining a level playing field for all athletes. 

The bill has already gained significant support from parents, female athletes, and educators who believe that it is essential to protect the fairness and integrity of women's sports in schools and will be brought to the house floor on Monday for a vote.  
 

CNN reported that 79% of Americans support biological females for female sports only and from the emails I receive it appears to be a higher percentage in MN. Erasing Title IX rights for female athletes after 53 years since it started is unacceptable. We will have a rally Monday with Riley Gaines before we vote on the bill on Monday.

Visitors 

This week I met with Brynn Sathre and Olivia Vorpagel who were here with Future Farmers of America. Brynn was a page here and we created a relationship. It was great to connect as she is interested in politics and being able to advocate for agricultural issues. I grew up on a farm that had been in my family for generations and it was great talking to young students about agriculture legislation.

I also met with members of AFSCME and we discussed CARE Carlton which is a women only chemical dependance treatment center. We discussed challenges and what we can do to support and help them.  

I also met with MSOP and we discussed challenges and needs and how legislators can help.  

Please Contact Me

It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you! You can reach me by phone at 651-296-2676 or by email at rep.natalie.zeleznikar@house.mn.gov I encourage you to follow me on Facebook at RepNatalieZeleznikar.