Minnesota State Representative Dawn Gillman released a legislative update on Apr. 17, outlining recent activity at the Capitol and key priorities for House Republicans as the session progresses toward its May 17 conclusion.
Gillman said that with most committees concluding their work, efforts are focused on advancing legislation aimed at easing burdens for Minnesota families, including tax conformity measures and fraud prevention bills. She highlighted progress made in aligning state tax codes with federal standards to avoid cost shifts to local governments and prevent increased property taxes.
In her statement, Gillman discussed the House Republican school safety proposal developed after last fall’s tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School. She said, “At its core, this proposal is about making sure every student, no matter where they attend school, feels safe when they walk through those doors each morning.” The plan includes funding for public, nonpublic, and Tribal schools; expanded access to mental health resources; anonymous threat reporting tools; safety planning flexibility; and discipline reforms intended to protect students and staff.
Gillman noted that the proposal drew from bipartisan ideas but did not advance after Democrats voted against an amendment needed to move it forward. “Here’s the hard truth: delay is a decision,” she said. She called for action before session ends so schools can receive requested resources.
On tax policy, Gillman explained efforts to pass House File 3127 containing a pass-through entity tax extension that she said would prevent new taxes on small businesses without costing the state money. “House Republicans are focused on creating a business climate where employers can grow, hire, and compete—not just survive, but actually thrive,” she said.
The update also recognized community members who testified in support of House File 4407 related to local government impacts of state policy decisions and highlighted advocacy for modernizing telecommunications statutes through House File 4052. Gillman congratulated Dean Bertram for being named U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Person of the Year for Minnesota.
She shared her involvement with the Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron—a bipartisan group of lawmakers engaging with Civil Air Patrol’s mission—and invited constituents to reach out with concerns or questions as she continues representing District 17A.
