I had the opportunity this week to sit down and record a few messages regarding the Governor's return to work declaration, teacher pensions, and student funding. While videos are a great way to get information out in a quick and attention-seeking way through social media, sometimes they bring out more questions. Below is more information regarding the above topics as well as an update to the e-waste survey from last week. Be sure to follow me on social media (Facebook and X).Back to Work: Navigating the Transition Back to the OfficeFor many workers who transitioned to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to the office presents both challenges and opportunities. The shift back to in-person work is not [...]

You've likely heard by now the state budget forecast was released on Thursday and it wasn't good. With a state deficit looming, there are many questions that need to be answered. This past week my colleagues and I were joined by several county commissioners from across the state for a press conference to sound the alarm over Governor Walz’s budget proposal. His proposal was concerning for everyone as it pushes $456 million in costs onto our local counties which would result in property tax increases for Minnesotans. Now, with the forecast released, we know there will be increases than expected. This article from my newsletter will cover some of the high-level details surrounding the forecast, but I strongly encourage [...]

Fraud has been allowed to run rampant in Minnesota for years. One of the biggest drivers of this issue is that we have state agencies administering funds without any meaningful oversight to protect the tax dollars being sent out the door. In this newsletter, I'll go over the fraud, waste, and abuse that has been discovered and what I and the Republican Party of Minnesota are working on to ensure our residents are safe from mismanaged policies and procedures in the future. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse I recently had the opportunity to speak to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Commissioner Brown after yet another story broke about potential fraud within the Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP). The [...]

It has been great to get back to business at the Capitol with the 94th Legislative Session kicking off. As you likely know, the Senate has been operating under a power-sharing agreement since the beginning of session. Because of this agreement, I have been co-chairing the Elections Committee and, I'm happy to report, we were able to pass the first bi-partisan bill out of committee last week. As we push through session, I'll continue to work hard and represent the residents of Chisago and Isanti Counties and be focused on delivering tangible solutions to the issues Minnesotans face. Session Priorities ➤ Cutting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Government Our state has an abysmal record when it comes to [...]

Your Content Goes Here Religious Liberties Protected Senate Republicans amended the 2024 Minnesota Human Rights bill with language that reinstates religious liberty protections that were removed by a Minnesota law passed in 2023. Religious liberty is both a fundamental and a foundational right to every American. This change will ensure Minnesota's statutory framework with religious exemptions in the Human Rights Act is consistent with the United States and Minnesota Constitutions. It will provide religious organizations clarity in the law to abide by their faiths without facing unexpected and costly discrimination claims. Stopped Extreme Policies Lawmakers in St. Paul are consistently pushing their extreme policies forward. This [...]

Friends and Neighbors, Just when we thought winter was going to hold out on us, it decided to show up just in time for the legislative session. While I do appreciate the time I can take staying in-district to meet with constituents during the interim, a little bit of snow isn't going to hold me back from the excitement of getting back to business at the capitol. It truly is a privilege to serve the residents of Chisago and Isanti Counties in the Minnesota Senate. Capital Improvements Bonding Tour You may have heard this legislative session referred to as a "bonding year". A legislative biennium is typically split into a policy year (last year) and a bonding [...]