Opinions
Dear Neighbors,
Once again, House Democrats have voted to significantly raise taxes on every business and every person in Minnesota that earns a paycheck.
Earlier this week, they approved a plan that would create a mandatory, government-run paid leave program funded by tax increases on virtually...
Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, the House debated and voted on the final budget bills of the 2023 legislative session. Now that each of these bills has received initial approval, they will head to conference committees where differences between the Senate and House versions of these bills will be hashed...
Earlier this year, we awarded several of our educators Innovative Project Grants. This grant was half funded by the school and half funded by Sourcewell, for a total of $10,000 dollars. We selected seven projects and are starting to see the results of a few of those grant awards. Some of...
Dear Friends,
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Pope County Deputy Josh Owen who lost his life responding to a domestic call Saturday night. This was a tragic reminder of the dangers that our public safety professionals face protecting our communities. Please join me in praying for...
Senate Democrats brought forward a public safety bill that fails to prioritize any aspect of public safety concerns. Crime in Minnesota has been steadily rising and expanding from the metro outward. Instead of addressing concerns of folks across the state, Democrats gave us a public safety bill...
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a very busy week in St. Paul with hours-long debates on a variety of budget bills. Before I get started, I want to take a moment to encourage you to make sure the family of Pope County Deputy Sheriff, Josh Owen, is in your prayers. Deputy Owen was tragically killed in...
I am saddened this week by the passing of former Little Falls teacher Bill Swanson. Bill shared his business expertise with countless young learners over the years. He is known for always having a positive attitude and being a great resource to students. Bill will be greatly missed, and I pray...
One of our community partners for over 10 years is Northern Pines. They are a nonprofit community mental health center serving six different counties including Todd County. They help us address the mental health needs of our students and staff. They have offices in our school district but they...
On the House floor this week we heard the first of the budget omnibus bills, this one for higher education. While parts of the bill, such as the tuition freeze, are amiable, the overall 18.5 percent budget increase and reckless spending make it impossible for me to support in its current form....
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your family had a blessed holiday and were able to enjoy some time reflecting on the meaning of Easter and the promises it holds for all of us. This week, the legislature returned from its annual Easter break. The final six weeks of the legislative session are...
