What we’ve done
Our community is a pretty nice place, and it’s the people here that make it that way. My job is to make sure we have what we need to thrive. Since January 2021, here’s what that has added up to.
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A medical school in St. Cloud
The U of M’s first new campus in more than fifty years — twenty-four students, and $15 million to make it happen.
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EMT training at Apollo High
A $500,000 state grant, an ambulance bay, and EMT certification before graduation.
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Downtown and the riverfront
$3.4 million for Fifth Avenue and $3 million to connect the riverfront.
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St. Cloud State
$12.8 million for the Brooks Center, and a food pantry so students can eat.
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The Children’s Museum and the Ledge
$7 million for the Children’s Museum, $2.5 million for the Ledge.
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Water, roads, and the airport
332nd Street, the airport’s landing system, and the water treatment plant.
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An independent watchdog against fraud
An independent watchdog with subpoena power — and the unglamorous work behind it.
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The veterans budget
Chief author of the 2025 veterans budget, now Chapter 30 of state law.
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Property tax relief
$125 million in relief, and why a one-time refund isn’t a fix.
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Honoring veterans who were never recognized
Honorary diplomas, the first Guard pay raise in thirty years, and burial honors.
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Help for beginning farmers
Lifting the cap on the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit.
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Public safety and support for survivors
$300 million in public safety aid, and $500,000 for survivors rebuilding.
The Minnesota Farmers Union, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, the Minnesota Grocers Association, Clean Water Action, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association and others have named me Legislator of the Year. They come from people who do this work every day, and who would know whether it was being done well.