Legislative Update Dear Northlanders, Easter break is over, and we are back in session working to get budget bills completed. As the House and Senate work to get their committees wrapped up, both chambers will vote on bills. The next step will include conference committees to ensure the House and Senate have an agreement on the budget targets and the bill language. Working Together Across the Aisle We arrived at a budget target for Children and Families committee, and while it is not the bill either side of the aisle wanted in totality, there are many items I am proud to see in the bill. Here are a few examples: - MN has 87 counties, and the IT system they use for case management serving vulnerable adults at all ages is the same SSIS system that existed when I took my first job in 1991. I advocated to upgrade this program in my first term, and unfortunately it did not happen. This year, we were able to make a commitment to commit $40 million to secure a federal match to get this $80 million project finally done.
- We heard tragic stories of babies abused in childcare centers, and listened to parents who were devastated to learn justice would not happen because there was not any video evidence. We found a compromise to mandate childcare centers who have maltreatment charges in the past three years to install cameras. This bill also funded grants for the initial charges to address the reality that 92 abuse cases are currently being investigated. As a working mom, I used childcare and was blessed with several fantastic providers. However, parents deserve to know there are systems to address isolated situations where abuse or neglect may occur.
Supporting Legacy Funding I voted to support constitutionally mandated Legacy funding which comes form a portion of sales tax revenue. These funds are to be used for outdoor Heritage, parks, clean water, and arts & culture. I am happy to see funding for several key items and here are some important highlights for Northern Minnesota: - Fall River restoration
- Watershed restoration
- Protecting drinking water
- State Parks and trail money
- Spirit Mountain
- Great Lakes Aquarium
- Zoo programs
- Museums
- County Fairs
- Mn Future Farmers of America 100 yr Anniversary
- Voyageurs National Park clean water project for Ash river
A Roadblock for Agreement Across the Aisle One major sticking point for House Republicans is free healthcare for illegal immigrants in MN. Currently, Democrats are signaling no willingness to delete this new funding allocation which began as of Jan 1, 2025, and therefore there is not agreement in the Health committee for the House chamber to date. Why is this an issue? The initial budget targets projected approximately 7,700 for the number enrolled, and the reality is the number enrolled in just four months is actually over 17,000. What is the cost for Minnesota tax payers to cover this new program in MN? The total was budgeted for approximately $100,000 with an expected four year total of $200 million and the reality is the total expected estimate is not $600 million. Republicans are not willing to support this while we have numerous health funding needs such as ambulance services, critical access hospitals, and numerous other needs for Minnesotans here legally. Time in Community  State of the State Address The House chamber welcomed Governor Walz on April 23, 2025. As we work for a balanced budget by May 19th 2025, I am hopeful we will have bipartisan support to accomplish the goal of stabilizing our services and financial security addressing a $6 billion dollar looming deficit.  Honoring Representative Mary Murphy Monday was a special day at the Capitol. It was a day dedicated to honor the service of Former State Representative Mary Murphy. This day marks a 46-year legacy of serving as a State Representative, and Mary Murphy is the longest serving woman in the history of Minnesota, and the second-longest serving legislator. I was honored to join my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to read a proclamation honoring Mary Murphy’s life in Hermantown, and her beloved Jackson home she lived in her entire life. Mary Murphy died on Christmas Day and had a life full of service as an educator, legislator, parishioner, and community member. She inspired us all to do our best and be our best in all that we do. What a wonderful moment in the House Chamber to celebrate the extraordinary life and work of Former Representative Mary Murphy. Monday, April 21, 2025, is dedicated as Mary Murphy Day. I am honored to be a co-author on HF 1090 which will rename a library bill to be Mary C. Murphy library construction grants program. This important bill will be passed through the House chamber on April 21, 2025 in honor of Mary Murphy Day.  |