Friends and neighbors,

As legislators, we are off for Passover and Easter break. It is a good time to get away from St. Paul, return to our districts, and be among the folks who work hard and are a bit tired of tax increases and hearing about fraud and government waste. They just want a responsible government that works together to solve issues.

Here in Minnesota, we have 201 total legislators. In the State House, it is tied 67–67, which does not happen very often, and in the State Senate, Democrats have the majority by just one vote, 34–33. That makes it 100–101—wow! You cannot make it any closer than that. It also makes it difficult to pass legislation.

Minnesota has had an issue not only with Democrat–Republican differences, but also the rural–metro divide, which has fared no better under Governor Walz’s “One Minnesota” policies, especially when there was one-party control. Unfortunately, we saw what happens when the voice of half of Minnesotans is not well represented.

That is why, within our system, it is essential that every voice is heard and represented as we continue to navigate our differences as both a state and a nation.

We are so blessed to live in America, the greatest country in the world, and we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our country has endured many difficult times and made mistakes, but we continue to learn from them and move forward toward a more perfect Union. It is always good to remember the great men and women who walked before us.

There are many memorials throughout our country, especially in Washington, D.C., that remind us of what has made America free and strong. Our founding documents, beginning with the Declaration of Independence, acknowledge God as the Creator, Lawgiver, and Supreme Judge of the universe, and conclude with an appeal for His divine protection.

That theme is also reflected in our national motto, “In God We Trust,” and echoed in the fourth verse of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” While the first verse is commonly sung today, the final, fourth verse includes these lines:

“Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust,’

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

When victory was secured on the battlefield, the work was far from finished, as the even greater challenge remained in forming a functioning government. No small task, to say the least.

Likewise, as we return to St. Paul, we face our own responsibility to govern well. With the two-year budget already passed last session, our focus will turn to reaching agreement on a bonding bill to invest in aging infrastructure across Minnesota, along with hopefully some needed policy changes.

As we celebrate the Easter season, I hope and pray that we will focus on being grateful for all that God has blessed us with here in America and enjoy the time together, remembering all the good times as we walk briefly on this temporary journey here on earth.

Easter is a sacred reminder of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. It is a celebration of hope fulfilled through Christ’s victory over death.

May the peace and joy of the risen Lord be with you and your family this Easter season.

Christ is Risen!

Sincerely,

Gene