Looking Ahead to Another Legislative Session
As February begins, it’s time to start considering the upcoming Legislative Session. Since 2024 is a Bonding Year, not only does that mean session starts a bit later on February 12, but it also means…
Gruenhagen: Stop assisted suicide in Minnesota!
Friends and neighbors – I wanted to alert you to a bill legalizing assisted suicide that has been introduced in the Minnesota Legislature. On January 25, it was approved by a committee in the Minnesota…
Leader Johnson statement on Democrat efforts to make Minnesota a sanctuary state
Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) issued the following statement regarding Democrat efforts to make Minnesota a sanctuary state. "Attempts to make Minnesota a “sanctuary state” – especially following recent surges of migrants…
Jasinski statement opposing Democrat proposal to make Minnesota a “Sanctuary State”
Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault): issued the following statement in response to news reports that Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature will be introducing legislation to make Minnesota a “Sanctuary State,” which would bar state and local…
Sen. Jasinski warns Clean Transportation Standard Working Group recommendations lead to high gas prices
Yesterday the Minnesota Department of Transportation released recommendations from the Clean Transportation Standard Working Group. The working group is studying how meeting aggressive carbon targets impacts both consumers and various industries. “States that have implemented…
Jasinski: Feedback on the new flag; local charities at risk
Feedback on the new flag; local charities at risk By: Senator John Jasinski Over the last few weeks, I have received a tidal wave of feedback about the new state flag and seal designs. Constituents…
Sen. Jasinski warns Clean Transportation Standard Working Group recommendations lead to high gas prices
ST. PAUL – Yesterday the Minnesota Department of Transportation released recommendations from the Clean Transportation Standard Working Group. The working group is studying how meeting aggressive carbon targets impacts both consumers and various industries. “States…
Senate GOP HHS Committee Lead Utke responds to House hearing on assisted suicide bill
Senate Republican Health and Human Services Committee Lead Paul Utke (Park Rapids) released the following statement on the house hearing of HF1930/SF1813, a bill to allow for assisted suicide: “It’s really no surprise Democrats are continuing…
Drazkowski: Federal government overstepped with raids on private Minnesota dairy farms
By: Senator Steve Drazkowski One issue that motivated me to run for office all those years ago was frustration with government's growing intrusion into private citizens' lives. Not only has that issue worsened under years…
Draheim: What to expect in the 2024 legislative session
By: Senator Rich Draheim The 2024 legislative session begins on February 12, and there are several key issues I expect we will be grappling with over the coming months. First, we need to address the…
Lucero, legislators visit Buffalo High School
A contingent of state legislators visited Buffalo High School on January 29 to tour and discuss the Phoenix Learning Center (PLC). Sen. Eric Lucero (R-Saint Michael), Sen. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City), Rep. Marion Rarick (R-Maple…
Senator Westrom joins Agriculture Committee members to tour dairy farms in Melrose
On Monday, Jan. 22, Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria)–Republican lead of the Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee–joined House and Senate Agriculture Committee members to tour dairy businesses in Senate District 12. First, Sen. Westrom…
Senator Westrom visits Knute Nelson Care Center to discuss challenges facing nursing homes and home health care
On Monday, Jan. 22, Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) visited Knute Nelson Care Center in Alexandria to discuss the current issues facing Minnesota’s long-term care providers. We had a very productive meeting and discussed the many challenges facing…
Jasinski: Ongoing problems with Southwest Light Rail
Ongoing problems with Southwest Light RailBy: Senator John Jasinski By now there have been so many horror stories about Southwest Light Rail (SWLRT) that it borders on ridiculous. You will remember, this is the project…
Senator Miller unveils Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0
Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) has announced an updated sports betting bill aimed at bringing various stakeholders and legislators on both sides of the aisle together to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. The Minnesota…
Gruenhagen: MN is a top destination for migrants from New York
Friends and neighbors – Last week I wrote a newsletter demonstrating just two ways that Minnesota Democrats have prioritized illegal immigrants. There was a troubling story in the newspaper the other day noting that Minnesota…
Housley statement on Walz bonding proposal
ST. PAUL – Senate Capital Investment Committee Lead Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) released the following statement responding to Governor Walz’s proposed bonding bill: “I’m still gathering information from constituents, stakeholders, and my caucus which priorities a…
Drazkowski: Minnesota gets a new flag and seal
By now you have probably seen the new flag and seal selections. Some of you may have even followed along with the commission meetings during which the flag and seal were chosen, and modified, from…
Eichorn and Davis on the Thunderhawk mascot
To the editor: We are incredibly disappointed in the decision and have written a letter to Education Commissioner Willie Jett to ask Commissioner Jett to clarify if any funds are available, so this burden isn’t…
Draheim: Reviewing more critical infrastructure projects needed in our area
I was delighted to once again host the Senate Bonding Committee in December as they visited our area to see firsthand the critical infrastructure projects that will shape the future of a couple of Greater…