West Twin Cities

Minnesota State Representative Dawn Gillman provided an update on legislative activities at the Capitol this week, highlighting key bills and issues affecting District 17A and the state.

Gillman announced that the Human Services Budget and Policy Committee’s omnibus bill is scheduled for debate and a vote in the House on Monday. She described it as "months of collaboration, feedback, and fine-tuning—and it's all about supporting the most vulnerable in our communities with compassion and common sense."

Her Environment Omnibus Bill will also be up for a vote on Tuesday, May 6. According to Gillman, “it focuses on protecting the natural resources that make Minnesota such a beautiful and unique place to call home.”

Addressing concerns raised by county commissioners regarding Governor Tim Walz’s plan to shift $460 million in costs to local governments through the Department of Human Services budget, Gillman said: "Let’s call it what it is — a cost shift, plain and simple. Instead of tightening the state’s own belt, the governor is handing the bill to counties. That puts local leaders in a tough spot: either slash essential services or raise property taxes on hardworking families. Neither option is fair, and neither is sustainable."

She added that some counties could face levy increases as high as 9% under this proposal. Gillman emphasized her opposition: “Fiscal responsibility shouldn’t mean passing the buck — it should mean responsible planning and honest leadership. I’ll keep fighting to stop these reckless cost shifts and make sure our local governments aren’t left holding the bag.”

Gillman also testified before the Capital Investment Committee in support of House File 1476, which she co-authored with Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano). The bill would allocate $1.65 million in state bonding funds for rehabilitating Salisbury Bridge in Meeker County. “This historic bridge has served generations of Minnesotans, and it’s in need of critical rehabilitation to ensure it remains safe and usable for years to come,” she stated.

The House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee examined Attorney General Keith Ellison’s involvement in what has been called Minnesota's largest fraud case involving Feeding Our Future. Gillman commented: “Newly released audio recordings reveal that Ellison was not only aware of concerns surrounding certain organizations under investigation but actively sympathized with them... Even more concerning, Ellison offered to apply pressure to state agencies on their behalf—agencies he is supposed to represent as Minnesota’s top legal authority.” She continued: “Public officials have a duty to act with transparency and uphold the law—not bend it to serve certain interests.”

In addition to legislative work, Gillman noted her participation in community events including discussions with local pastors about service during challenging times, recognizing Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell for being named NFL Coach of the Year after leading his team to a successful season, celebrating family achievements at University of Montana football games, and attending Animals on the Mall Day hosted by Three Rivers Park District.

She concluded by inviting constituents to share their views or seek assistance from her office.