Legislative UpdateFriends, Neighbors, and Fellow Taxpayers, Another week at the Capitol, another round of action-packed debates, legislative wins, and, of course, some good old-fashioned political head-scratching. We’re in the thick of session now, and the work is only ramping up! From fighting to give your tax dollars back where they belong (with you!) to working on bipartisan solutions that actually help Minnesotans, there’s no shortage of big conversations happening under the dome. Plus, I had the chance to catch up with some fantastic colleagues, connect with leaders in our communities, and even strategize future legislation over a burger (because the best ideas always come with fries). Let’s dive into this week’s highlights—you won’t want to miss what’s been happening! Stop Taxpayer Robbery—Let’s Give Surpluses Back! When the government collects more than it needs, who should benefit—politicians looking for more ways to spend, or the hardworking Minnesotans who actually paid the bill? That’s the question at the heart of House File 4, and I think the answer is a no-brainer. HF 4 would let voters decide in 2026 whether future budget surpluses should be automatically returned to taxpayers instead of being funneled into ever-growing government programs. If this law had been in place during our $18 billion surplus, Minnesotans would have seen a $5 billion return instead of watching every last cent get spent—on top of $10 billion in new taxes. And now? We’re staring down a $6 billion deficit. That’s not just bad math—it’s reckless budget mismanagement. Unfortunately, House Democrats chose to vote against giving you your money back. Instead of prioritizing families, farmers, and small businesses, they chose even bigger government spending. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue—it’s common sense. Minnesotans are already feeling the squeeze from inflation, high energy costs, and rising prices at the pump and grocery store. They don’t need higher taxes on top of it. HF 4 ensures that when the state takes in more than it needs, that extra cash goes back to the people who earned it—not into another round of bloated budgets and bad policies. House Republicans are standing up for you, the taxpayer. Let’s put the power where it belongs—in your hands. Great Conversations with Congresswoman Fischbach There’s nothing better than getting together with my colleagues to hear from the one and only Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach! She’s a powerhouse leader who never stops fighting for Minnesota, and let’s be honest—she makes it look easy. From advocating for rural communities to standing strong for our values in Washington, Michelle is the definition of a rockstar. Her insights, energy, and dedication to serving our state are always inspiring, and it was great to connect, talk strategy, and discuss how we can keep pushing for commonsense policies that put Minnesotans first. Grateful for her leadership, her time, and—of course—her unstoppable enthusiasm. Until next time, Congresswoman!  Prescription for a Healthier Minnesota: Meeting with Polk County Public Health Keeping communities healthy isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. That’s why meeting with Polk County Public Health was a must! We talked about the real, on-the-ground challenges they face, from making sure folks can access quality care to tackling public health concerns head-on. From immunizations to mental health resources, these folks are doing the work that keeps Minnesota strong. And while we didn’t walk away with medical degrees (pretty sure that takes longer than a meeting), we did leave with a clearer vision of how to support their mission. Because at the end of the day, healthy communities mean a healthier Minnesota! Pensions: Not the Most Exciting Topic—But Absolutely Worth Talking About! This week, I had the privilege of participating in a Pension Talk with local teachers to dive into an issue that affects thousands of hardworking Minnesotans. Pensions may not be the flashiest topic, but let’s be real—when it comes to ensuring our educators and other public employees have the retirement security they deserve, it’s a conversation worth having! We covered the basics, discussed HF 1582 (a key bill aimed at pension reform), and had some eye-opening conversations about funding sources and the future of these benefits. When we consider the positive impact that educators have on our young people and families, providing good pension benefits is a no-brainer! At the end of the day, this isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about making sure teachers, can retire with dignity and have some good years to enjoy it. And rest assured, I’ll keep working to ensure pension reform remains a top priority at the Capitol!   Talking Ag Innovation with the AURI Board! This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Board—a group that’s all about keeping Minnesota agriculture on the cutting edge. From finding new uses for our homegrown crops to developing innovative ways to add value to farm products, these folks are making sure our Ag industry isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving! We talked about expanding markets, supporting rural economies, and making sure Minnesota remains a leader in agricultural innovation. The work AURI is doing is critical, and I’m proud to support their mission. Big thanks to the board for their insight, passion, and dedication to keeping Minnesota agriculture strong. Excited to keep pushing forward on policies that support our farmers, ranchers, and Ag entrepreneurs! Burgers, Bills, and Big Ideas Not all legislative work happens under the Capitol dome—some of it happens over burgers and fries at Burger Moe’s. For Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen and me, this isn’t just a meal; it’s a high-stakes strategy session… with a side of cheese curds. Between bites, we’re hashing out ideas and sorting out Minnesota’s problems one commonsense solution at a time. And let’s be real—everything’s better when there’s a burger involved. Stay Connected!Thank you so much for subscribing to my newsletter. It’s truly an honor to represent you and our wonderful community here in St. Paul. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns—your voice makes a difference. My door is always open, whether you’d like to meet in person or simply reach out to chat. Feel free to email me at Rep.Steve.Gander@House.MN.Gov or give me a call at 651-296-5091. Just a quick note: replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox, so be sure to use the contact info above. You can also now follow my official representative page on Facebook here for updates and more! Looking forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together for our community! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |