Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, Time is flying at the Capitol, and the countdown is on—just eight weeks until our May 19 adjournment deadline! That means the heat is cranking up to pass a responsible budget and tackle the issues that matter most to Minnesotans. The biggest hurdle? A whopping $6 billion deficit. After the previous Democrat trifecta burned through an $18 billion surplus and inflated government spending by 40%, we’re now left to clean up the mess and make the tough calls to get Minnesota back on track. And with a 67-67 split in the House, every debate is high stakes. I’ll keep you in the loop as budget talks unfold, but for now, here’s a quick peek at what’s happening this week at the Capitol! Governor Walz’s Budget Proposal: A Crisis of His Own MakingLet’s Call It Like It Is—This Mess Didn’t Make Itself! Democrats took a record-breaking $18 billion surplus, spent every last dime, jacked up taxes by $10 billion, and ballooned government spending by 40%—and now, surprise! We’re staring down a $6 billion deficit. This isn’t just bad math; it’s reckless mismanagement. And instead of owning up to the disaster, Governor Walz is doubling down on the same failed policies that got us here. His budget proposal doesn’t fix the problem—it makes deep and harmful cuts to essential services, including: - Nursing homes—slashing critical care for our seniors.
- Education—gutting nonpublic pupil aid, merit-based teacher pay, and drowning schools in 65+ unfunded mandates they can’t afford.
- Medicaid services—jeopardizing care for Minnesotans with disabilities.
As if that weren’t bad enough, Gov. Walz is trying to shift over $1.5 billion in costs to local counties—forcing property tax hikes of up to 9% on hardworking families and small businesses. Even county leaders are waving red flags on how devastating this would be. And yet, while cutting funding for seniors, students, and the disabled, Democrats continue to spend hundreds of millions on benefits for illegal immigrants. Oh, and Walz is still pushing for another tax hike through a sales tax increase. Let’s be clear: Minnesota doesn’t have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem. House Republicans won’t stand for balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable. We believe in fiscal responsibility, real priorities, and putting Minnesota taxpayers first. There’s more than enough money to fund what truly matters—we just need leadership that gets it. House File 2558: Tax Relief for East Grand Forks’ Construction Projects I’m excited to introduce House File 2558, a bill designed to give East Grand Forks a much-needed tax break for two important community projects: the Civic Center Sports Complex and the VFW Memorial Arena. This bill provides a refundable sales tax exemption on the materials and supplies used in the construction, renovation, and upgrades to these key facilities, giving the city a boost as it improves its infrastructure. What Does This Bill Do? Sales Tax Exemption: Starting after November 30, 2025, and before December 31, 2029, the materials and supplies used for these projects won’t be taxed, making them more affordable. This exemption covers everything from construction materials to equipment needed for the upgrades. Refund Process: While the sales tax will initially be applied, don’t worry—this bill ensures the tax will be refunded in the same way as other projects outlined under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.75. So, you pay upfront and get the money back. Simple! Funding for the Refunds: The bill also sets aside money from the general fund to cover the refunds, ensuring there’s no hiccup in getting this relief where it’s needed. By passing this bill, we’re investing in East Grand Forks' future, making these improvements more affordable, and helping the community grow. It's a win for both taxpayers and the local economy—plus, who doesn’t love a good tax break for good projects? In Loving Memory of my Beloved Wife, Rosalynd Lee Rhen Gander It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved wife, Rosalynd Gander, after a brave but brief battle with cancer. From the moment I met her, I knew I had found someone truly extraordinary. She was a woman of faith, strength, and grace, and together we built a life filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. Our sons, Tom and John, were the greatest gifts we received, and Ros's love for them—along with her precious grandchildren, Micah, Harper, and Iris—was boundless. Ros had a heart of gold, always offering kindness, warmth, and a listening ear to those in need. Her devotion to family and her ability to see the good in everyone she met was nothing short of inspiring. Whether she was caring for others in her work or lighting up our home with her vibrant spirit, Ros gave every part of herself to those she loved. She will forever remain in my heart, and I know her love will continue to guide our family through the days ahead. 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 |