An Education Bill That Falls Short
An Education Bill That Falls Short by Senator Jason Rarick We adjourned regular Session on May 19. Though some bills were completed by that deadline, many were left undone – Education Finance being one of…
Koran honored as Legislator of Distinction by League of Minnesota Cities
The League of Minnesota Cities has named 28 state lawmakers (16 representatives and 12 senators) as 2025 Legislators of Distinction. Senator Mark Koran (R–North Branch) was honored as one of this year’s recipients. “Thank you…
Draheim calls for more accessibility parking following Capitol security changes
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced new security measures this week at the Minnesota State Capitol following a security breach in July. Major changes include public entrances being reduced from three (14 total doors)…
Mathews, Mekeland statement on Supreme Court firearms decision
Senator Andrew Mathews (R–Princeton) and Representative Shane Mekeland (R–Clear Lake) issued the following statement after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in State v. Vagle that Minnesota statutes only require a serial number on a…
Sen. Nelson signs Civility Pledge to bridge political divides
Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) and public officials from both sides of the aisle came together recently to sign the Civility Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota. Organized by Majority in the Middle, nonpartisan organization that promotes…
Nelson: Focus on facts in Rochester sports complex sales tax debate, not theater
With concern growing over the future of Rochester’s proposed sports and recreation complex, it’s critical that the debate focus on facts. “The Legislature approved a local sales tax extension with clear parameters in 2023,” Senator…
Gruenhagen: What is driving the sharp rise in autism diagnoses?
Friends and neighbors, I recently recorded a video about a troubling trend that deserves more attention: the steep rise in autism diagnoses and spending. In 1960, autism affected just a handful of children out of…
Koran bill awards $1.5 Million to Goodwill-Easter Seals' FATHER Project
The Minnesota Legislature awarded $1.5 million to Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) FATHER Project over the next two years as part of the final budget bill. This continues the funding the state granted to the program in 2023…
Nelson: Focus on facts in Rochester sports complex sales tax debate, not theater
With concern growing over the future of Rochester’s proposed sports and recreation complex, it’s critical that the debate focus on facts. “The Legislature approved a local sales tax extension with clear parameters in 2023,” Senator…
Sen. Draheim thanks NAMI Executive Director Sue Abderholden for 24 years of mental health advocacy
Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota, announced this spring that she will be retiring after 24 years of service advocating for people with mental illness and advancing legislation…
Drazkowski: Minnesota’s fraud problem is out of control
By: SENATOR STEVE DRAZKOWSKI Minnesota’s fraud crisis continues to get worse, and Democrats and Gov. Tim Walz are allowing it happen. Federal prosecutors now estimate that fraud in state programs could exceed $1 billion. It’s…
Coleman congratulates outstanding Farm Families
The University of Minnesota has announced this year’s Farm Family Recognition Program honorees, celebrating farm families from across Minnesota for their important contributions to agriculture and their local communities. Senator Julia Coleman (R–Waconia) congratulated the…
Lang recognized with Housing Leadership Award
Housing First Minesota recently recognized members of the Minnesota Legislature with the 2025 Housing Leadership Award. This award recognizes recipients’ outstanding efforts to advance housing affordability and expand opportunities for homeownership during the 2025 legislative…
Senator Jordan Rasmusson Statement on Gov. Walz’s cancellation of Medicaid Housing Program
After Gov. Tim Walz announced his administration would be seeking to cancel Minnesota’s fraud-riddled Housing Stabilization program, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (Fergus Falls) released the following statement: Gov. Walz’s cancellation of this program due to fraud concerns is…
Jasinski: New laws taking effect August 1
By: SENATOR JOHN JASINSKI Each year, August 1 marks the start date for new laws passed during the legislative session. I want to highlight a few changes that may impact people in our communities. Just…
Heintzeman: August 1 new laws
Friends and neighbors, Each year, dozens of new laws passed during the legislative session go into effect on August 1. I want to highlight a few of the most notable changes this year that may…
Walz Administration Shuts Down Fraud-Ridden Housing Program to Dodge Accountability
Today’s announcement by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) terminating the Housing Stabilization Services Medicaid benefit points to a deeper failure by the Walz administration. After reports of widespread fraud, DHS abruptly ended the…
Draheim honored with Housing Leadership Award, calls for free market solutions
Housing First Minesota recently recognized members of the Minnesota Legislature with the 2025 Housing Leadership Award. This award recognizes recipients’ outstanding efforts to advance housing affordability and expand opportunities for homeownership during the 2025 legislative…
Nelson: As foretold, we are witnessing the dangerous consequences of 2023 public safety bill
By: SENATOR CARLA NELSON When the Legislature passed the 2023 public safety bill, I – along many of my colleagues -- stood on the Senate floor and warned what would happen. That bill reduced sentences…
Minnesota's Fraud Problem
Minnesota’s Fraud Problem by Senator Steve Green Anyone watching the news can see that Minnesota is a hotbed for fraud. For every family and taxpayer, it’s frustrating. Of course, the most renowned instance of fraud…