Friends and neighbors,

This week is National Police Week, a time to recognize the men and women in law enforcement. Our law enforcement officers demonstrate an extraordinary dedication to public service.

Every day, they bravely and selflessly respond to challenging and dangerous situations. They are often the first to arrive in times of crisis, offering not only protection but also compassion and assistance. Their roles extend into the community, where they build relationships, offer guidance, and work tirelessly to foster trust and safety.

However, their work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. We must not forget the sacrifices they make and the risks they face daily. Their daily sacrifices and steadfast service are the foundation of our community’s safety and peace of mind.

Thank you for your service!

Countdown to the legislative deadline

We are just days away from the Minnesota Legislature’s adjournment on Monday, May 19. In the Senate, we continue to hear key policy and budget bills on the floor. Conference committees are also underway as House and Senate members negotiate final versions of major legislation.

On Thursday morning, legislative leaders — Governor Walz, Speaker Demuth, Speaker Emerita Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Murphy — announced a budget deal and shared the universal budget targets. While the deal includes some needed reforms, it still falls short of the balanced, bipartisan approach Minnesotans deserve.

With a $6 billion budget deficit, we should be focused on cutting wasteful government spending. Yet the agreement addresses only about 45% of the state’s structural shortfall. Senate Republicans remain committed to fighting for Minnesota’s families, small businesses, and communities through the end of session.

One key provision in the agreement, strongly supported by Republicans, is a rollback in MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented immigrants. Adults will no longer qualify, and the program will close to new adult applicants. Children under 18 will remain eligible. This change responds to the unsustainable growth of the state-funded program. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed limiting enrollment in a similar program after a sharp rise in costs and participation.

What will happen in these final days? I’ll provide a full update in my next column.

Contact Me 

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at Sen.Bruce.Anderson@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson