State Representative Dr. Steve Gander gives an update of the happenings at the State Capitol. The update is below.
Friends and neighbors,
We’ve officially wrapped up week three of the legislative session, and somehow this week was busier than the last. As deadlines approach, the pace of work accelerates!
From committee hearings to meetings with constituents and advocates visiting the Capitol, there has been plenty happening here in St. Paul.
So without further ado, let’s dive into what’s been going on this week!
When a Good Idea Walks Into Committee
I’ve had many residents tell me that they’re tired of partisan bickering. They wonder why we can’t find a way to work together for the greater good. It’s not always easy—but every once in a while, you catch a glimpse of what bipartisan work can look like when it’s done in good faith.
This week in the Human Services Committee, Rep. Peter Fischer brought a real issue to the table with House File 3666, and I appreciate him shining a light on it. We absolutely need to do a better job of providing consistent, high-quality case management services to Medicaid recipients who rely on these programs every day.
That said, I’m not convinced the proposed fix is necessarily the right one.
Here’s what HF 3666 does:
- Prohibits county agencies from contracting for Medical Assistance home and community-based waiver case management services beginning July 1, 2029
- Establishes a waiver case management quality working group
- Requires the Commissioner of Human Services to conduct a case management and home and community-based services rates study
On paper, these changes are intended to create more consistency in how services are delivered. But when the state restricts counties from contracting for services, it can force them to hire, train, and build entirely new internal systems to provide that work themselves.
And if the funding doesn’t follow those new responsibilities, that’s what we call an unfunded mandate.
When counties get stuck with the bill, taxpayers usually do too—often through higher property taxes or cuts to other local priorities.
We can absolutely improve services for the people who depend on them. But we should be doing it in a way that strengthens accountability and lowers costs—not by creating another layer of bureaucracy or shifting expenses onto local governments.
The work continues, and I’ll keep pushing for solutions that protect vulnerable Minnesotans while also respecting the taxpayers who fund these programs.
Because in the end, good policy isn’t about winning the debate—it’s about working together to get the job done for the people we serve.
The People Behind the Priorities
One of my favorite parts of the hustle and bustle of session is the steady stream of folks who make their way to the Capitol to share the priorities of their organizations. Between committee hearings, floor sessions, and the occasional sprint down the hallway, it’s always a welcome break to sit down with people who are passionate about the work they do.
Week after week, I’m blown away by the talent, dedication, and heart behind these groups—really good people rolling up their sleeves and advocating for their neighbors throughout the state. The Capitol can get pretty busy this time of year, but these conversations are a great reminder of who we’re here working for. This week, I’d like to highlight a few of those visits.
Minnesota Administrators for Special Education
It was wonderful to spend some time visiting with Cassey Farrell and Tiffany Litman from the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE). Cassey is an educator currently serving as the Director of Learner Support Services in the Thief River Falls School District—just a tad north of our home district of 1B! And Tiffany is the Executive Director of the Area Special Education Cooperative in East Grand Forks.
We had a great conversation about MASE’s 2026 legislative platform and the important work they’re doing to support students with disabilities and the educators who serve them. Their priorities focus on strengthening special education funding, supporting recruitment and retention of special education teachers, and ensuring safe and supportive learning environments for students across Minnesota.
These administrators juggle a lot behind the scenes to make sure students and teachers have the support they need, and I truly appreciate the work they do every day. I’m grateful they took the time to stop by the Capitol, and I look forward to continuing to work with this great group moving forward.
Minnesota Optometric Association
Every now and then at the Capitol, I get the chance to connect with some of my optometric colleagues, and this week was one of those moments.
I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Minnesota Optometric Association, and let’s just say this group truly speaks my language. It didn’t take long before we were swapping clinic stories and laughing about the little things that we love about the profession.
Of course, we didn’t just talk shop—we also dove into the policy side of things and discussed ways the Legislature can better support optometrists and the patients they serve across Minnesota.
I have to say, moments like these always remind me how lucky I am to still serve patients in my current role. Not everyone gets the opportunity to bring their real-world experience straight into the policymaking process, and I never take that for granted.
Plus, let’s be honest—it’s always refreshing when a policy conversation comes with a little bit of “20/20 perspective.”
Strong Voices for Foster Youth
It was wonderful to meet with the Region 1 Youth Leadership Council during Foster Child and Youth Day on the Hill. These young leaders are doing incredible work, speaking up about the real challenges within the foster care system and advocating for improvements that will make a meaningful difference for others walking the same path.
Thank you to everyone who came out to share their stories and advocate for such an important cause. Strengthening Minnesota’s foster care system is serious work, and voices like these are helping lead the way forward. I’m grateful for their courage, their advocacy, and the opportunity to continue working on policies that support foster youth across our state.
A Visit from the “Land of Paul and Babe”
Although Bemidji isn’t officially part of District 1B… some days I think it probably should be (only kidding, Rep. Duran!).
All jokes aside, I’ve always been a big fan of Bemidji. My family and I have taken plenty of trips there over the years, and it’s hard not to fall in love with the place. From the beautiful lakes that surround the city to the towering pine trees stretching across lakes country, it’s a part of Minnesota that truly captures the spirit of the North.
That’s why I was especially grateful when the Bemidji delegation stopped by my office to talk shop about some of their funding challenges and how we can continue protecting the natural beauty that makes that region so special.
Places like Bemidji remind us exactly what we’re working to preserve here in Minnesota—keeping it the proud Land of Paul and Babe for generations to come.
Greetings from Norman County!
Last Saturday, Norman County held their County Convention. It was great to catch up with everyone and discuss the issues that matter to all of us. A special thank you to Norman County Chair Ron Kuball and everyone involved in organizing the meeting. There was a great turnout and plenty of enthusiasm throughout the event.
It may seem a little strange to already be thinking about the fall election when we haven’t even had a spring thaw yet—but here we are. Thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome and the great conversation. I always appreciate the opportunity to connect and hear directly from you.
Don’t Be a Stranger, Let’s Talk!
As we move through the rest of the legislative session, I truly can’t stress this enough: your voice matters. Public service works best when it’s a two-way conversation—not just lawmakers talking, but neighbors weighing in with ideas, concerns, and a little healthy Minnesota honesty.
This week was a perfect example of that in action. Local leaders and community members stepped up, shared their perspectives, and helped move real conversations forward. That kind of engagement is exactly how we create tactical change across our beautiful Land of 10,000 Lakes.
So if there’s an issue you’re passionate about, a priority you think we should tackle, or something happening in your community that deserves attention, don’t keep it to yourself!
Shoot me an email at rep.steve.gander@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-5091.
I’m here to work for you—and I’m always happy to hear what’s on your mind.
Sincerely,
Representative Steve Gander