 Legislative UpdateHey Friends and Neighbors, Can you believe it? We’re already five weeks into the House Republican majority, and the Capitol is buzzing with energy! This week was packed with everything from committee hearings to non-stop meetings, and of course, the introduction of some game-changing legislation that’s going to make a real difference for all of us here in Minnesota. With the special election on March 11 right around the corner, House Republicans are pushing forward with excitement and determination, focused on passing policies that actually benefit Minnesotans.  Oh, and I hope everyone stayed warm during the heavy snowfall earlier this week! I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely ready for some spring weather. But before we get too carried away dreaming of sunny days, I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to our amazing Capitol grounds crew. These folks have been working overtime to keep our Capitol snow- and ice-free, and let me tell you, the place looks immaculate. So, let’s all take a moment to appreciate their hard work—without them, we’d be slipping and sliding all the way to the next session! Thanks for keeping it smooth and safe, team! Let’s dive into the highlights of this week—grab your coffee, this is gonna be good! Minnesota's Budget ForecastMinnesota’s budget forecast is here, and let’s just say it confirms what we’ve been warning all along—reckless government spending is catching up to us. The updated projection shows a shrinking surplus and a staggering $5.995 billion deficit heading our way in the FY 2028-29 biennium. That’s nearly a billion dollars worse than expected! Simply put, the Capitol’s spending spree is starting to show its ugly face, and if we don’t change course, you, the taxpayers, will be left footing the bill. This is exactly why House Republicans are pushing for fiscal responsibility. Just like Minnesota families do every day, government should live within its means. Instead of bloating budgets and growing government, we should be focused on providing permanent tax relief, cutting wasteful spending, and strengthening our economy for the long haul. Minnesotans deserve leaders who plan for the future—not those who spend recklessly today and hope tomorrow will sort itself out. I’ll keep fighting for responsible budgeting that prioritizes taxpayers over big government. Supporting Minnesota’s Agricultural Future: A Win for Innovation and Farmers Exciting news—I’ve officially testified on my very first bill this week, and let me tell you, it feels fantastic! House File 38 is a bill near and dear to my heart because it focuses on supporting the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), an organization that's been a game-changer for Minnesota’s agriculture industry for over 35 years. The bill proposes funding of $4.5 million each for 2026 and 2027 to help AURI continue their incredible work in researching and developing new ways to boost our farm products, from turning byproducts into valuable resources to helping ag entrepreneurs bring fresh ideas to the table. The best part? AURI has a proven 45-to-1 return on investment—every dollar invested has a massive impact, creating jobs and strengthening rural economies. Testifying on this bill was a huge honor, and I’m excited to see how it will help keep Minnesota’s agriculture industry thriving. Big thanks to AURI for their amazing work, and to my fellow legislators for their continued support. Let’s keep pushing for innovative policies that help our farmers grow and succeed! An Evening with MCCL: Advocating for Life I had such an amazing time at the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) Legislative Dinner on Tuesday evening! Held at the historic Landmark Center in St. Paul, this event brought together passionate pro-life advocates and lawmakers for an evening of great conversation and inspiration. The night kicked off with a lively social hour, followed by a delicious dinner in the beautiful Musser Cortile. It was truly inspiring to connect with so many individuals who are dedicated to protecting the sanctity of life—from conception to natural death. MCCL continues to be a leading force in advocating for the right to life for all Minnesotans, and I’m proud to support their mission. Their work through education, legislation, and political action is making a real difference in our state, and I’m excited to keep working alongside them to build a culture that values and protects every human life.  State Tournament Showdown! It’s officially the best time of the year—State Hockey Tournament season! And this year, our very own East Grand Forks Green Wave are taking the ice at the MSHSL Boys’ State Hockey Tournament, ready to battle for the title. Now, my colleague from Hibbing, Representative Spencer Igo, seems to think his Bluejackets have this one in the bag. Of course, I had to set the record straight—we had a little friendly back-and-forth about it, which you can check out in the video below! No matter who comes out on top, one thing is certain: Minnesota hockey is second to none, and we couldn’t be prouder of these incredible student-athletes representing our communities. So let’s cheer them on, enjoy some great hockey, and—let’s be real—Go Green Wave! We created a fun video to get our boys in the winning spirit—check it out HERE and get ready to cheer them on! Celebrating the #1 Best Value College in Minnesota! I couldn't be more thrilled to share that the University of Minnesota Crookston has been ranked the #1 Best Value College in Minnesota for 2025. As someone who has the privilege of working directly with this outstanding institution, I can attest to the exceptional quality and dedication found here. Every young person I've met with from U of M Crookston has been nothing short of impressive. Their commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. Serving the district that houses this gem of a university fills me with immense pride. It's a testament to the incredible opportunities available right here in our own backyard. Let's continue to support and celebrate the achievements of our local institutions and the bright minds they cultivate. Go Golden Eagles! Blessed to Meet with Local Pastors and Embrace the Power of Prayer This week, I had the honor of meeting with some truly inspiring local pastors. It’s always a blessing to come together with leaders who are so dedicated to their faith and their communities. We had meaningful conversations about the power of prayer, and I want to take a moment to express just how much I believe in the strength of prayer in shaping the direction of our state. I am beyond thankful to work in a space where prayer is encouraged and where I am surrounded by individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of Minnesotans. A heartfelt thank you to Pastor Austin Wartner, Pastor Preston Hoiseth, Pastor Josh Hawn, Pastor Josh Maki, Assistant Pastor Kenny Hainline, and Assistant Pastor Levi DeLange for taking the time to meet and for the encouragement and wisdom you all bring to our communities. As we continue to face challenges in our state, I’m reminded that prayer has the power to guide us toward solutions, compassion, and understanding. Thank you all for your incredible work and the positive impact you have on those around you. It’s a privilege to serve alongside such strong leaders in faith. A Fantastic Meeting with the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers I had an incredible meeting with the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers this week, and let me tell you—these folks are doing some serious work for our communities! From making health care more accessible to providing essential services in underserved areas, they’re truly on the frontlines of improving the well-being of Minnesotans. It’s no secret that healthcare is one of the biggest issues we face today, and the work that the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers is doing is not only admirable—it’s essential. These centers are working hard to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live or what they can afford, has access to quality care. And believe me, that’s something we can all get behind! We talked about everything from expanding access to mental health services to reducing health disparities in rural communities. It’s clear that they’re making a huge impact, and I’m excited to continue collaborating with them to find even more ways we can support their efforts. Huge shoutout to everyone at the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers for the work they’re doing to build a healthier Minnesota! Looking forward to more conversations and, of course, more action. Stay Connected!Thank you so much for subscribing to my newsletter. It’s truly an honor to represent you and our wonderful community here in St. Paul. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns—your voice makes a difference. My door is always open, whether you’d like to meet in person or simply reach out to chat. Feel free to email me at Rep.Steve.Gander@House.MN.Gov or give me a call at 651-296-5091. Just a quick note: replies to this newsletter won’t reach my inbox, so be sure to use the contact info above. You can also now follow my official representative page on Facebook here for updates and more! Looking forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together for our community! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |