West Twin Cities

Minnesota State Representative Dawn Gillman has provided an update on the recent legislative session, reflecting on both a period of tragedy and key developments at the Capitol.

Gillman began by addressing the attack that resulted in the deaths of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as serious injuries to Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. She described ongoing grief within the state government community and emphasized gratitude toward law enforcement for their response.

“This wasn’t just a political tragedy—it was a human one. We must never allow violence to have any place in our public life. I’m so grateful to law enforcement, especially in Meeker County, for their swift response and protection in the days that followed,” Gillman said.

She shared a message from Hortman’s children: “in the face of unspeakable tragedy, let us choose hope over fear.”

Turning to legislative business, Gillman reported that after delays extended beyond the constitutionally mandated end date of May 19, lawmakers convened for a special session on June 9. During this session, they passed 14 budget bills totaling $66 billion for the 2026–2027 biennium. Despite balancing this budget cycle, she noted there is a projected $3.5 billion deficit for 2028–2029.

“With the House tied 67–67, Republicans finally had a true seat at the table—and we made the most of it by cleaning up the Democrat disaster,” Gillman stated. She criticized prior spending increases under Democratic control but highlighted several Republican-backed measures:

- Blocking $8 billion in proposed income and sales tax increases.

- Eliminating taxpayer-funded health care for adult undocumented immigrants.

- Passing an 8% reduction in government spending from last biennium.

- Implementing permitting reforms aimed at infrastructure projects.

- Protecting funding for nonpublic schools.

- Securing $95 million more for nursing homes along with workforce reforms.

- Creating a new House committee focused on rooting out fraud in state programs.

Gillman also discussed legislation she authored:

- House File 146 removed a penalty affecting Stewart’s local funding;

- House File 1883 set training standards for surgical instrument technicians;

- House File 2191 updated licensing rules related to child care and family services.

She explained her approach as Human Services Committee Co–Vice Chair: “Are we doing right by the vulnerable people across our state who rely on these critical services?”

Gillman listed further outcomes:

- Cutting $1.2 billion while protecting essential services,

- Rejecting cost shifts to counties,

- Demanding anti-fraud policies,

- Introducing stricter licensing requirements for certain providers,

- Strengthening nursing home workforce standards.

“I’m especially thankful that House Republicans were able to protect non-public pupil aid funding—this critical support helps thousands of students attending private and parochial schools receive the services they need to thrive,” she added.

Gillman recounted hosting MN DOGE and Center of the American Experiment at an event discussing Minnesota’s financial outlook. According to her summary of their presentation, if current spending continues, Minnesota could face another budget deficit exceeding $2 billion (https://www.minnpost.com/). She thanked Senator Glenn Gruenhagen for his partnership during these discussions about fiscal policy.

On transportation policy, Gillman noted her role co-authoring new motorcycle safety legislation allowing lane splitting and filtering under certain conditions beginning July 1:

“Lane splitting (riding between lanes when traffic is moving) is allowed when done under 25 mph… Lane filtering (moving between cars when traffic is stopped) is also allowed…”

Restrictions apply near school zones, freeway ramps, work zones with only one open lane, or roundabouts.

She also mentioned participating in community forums such as The Fight for Truth with Liz Collin and Chris Madel alongside other local officials including Senator Andrew Lang and Representative Dean Urdahl. Gillman acknowledged contributions from community members like Christina Clark at these gatherings supporting transparency and public dialogue.

Looking ahead, she announced participation in an upcoming town hall with Senator Lang and Representative Scott VanBinsbergen scheduled July 1 at Meeker Energy Meeting Room in Litchfield from 11:00 AM –12:30 PM. The event will review legislative outcomes and solicit feedback from residents.

Reflecting on bipartisan progress during this session despite divided government control of Minnesota’s legislature (https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-legislature-special-session-budget-deficit/), Gillman concluded:

“As we continue to heal together after recent tragedies…showing empathy is a sign of strength—not weakness…Thank you for the trust you place in me to represent you.”