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Gander




*September 5, 2025*






Interim Update
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Dear friends and neighbors,

The pencils are sharpened, the buses are humming, and somewhere a teacher is already perfecting their “quiet down” look—yes, it’s Back to School season in Minnesota!

To all the students: dive in, work hard, and remember that every page you turn is a step toward your future (and yes, math really "will" come in handy one day). To the parents: you deserve a gold star for juggling schedules, practices, and the occasional forgotten lunchbox. And to our teachers and school staff: thank you for being the steady hands and patient hearts guiding our kids—your work doesn’t go unnoticed.

As we transition into this season, a friendly reminder to everyone behind the wheel: the roads are getting busier, not just with school buses but also with tractors and farm equipment. Please slow down, give extra space, and drive like someone you love is on the road ahead—because chances are, they are.

Here’s to a year full of learning, laughter, and maybe even a few surprise snow days (but hopefully not too many). Wishing all our families and educators a safe and successful school year!

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A Commonsense Approach to School Safety

Now for a little news from the Capitol:

The Governor has announced a special session [ [link removed] ], but unfortunately, he made the decision without first consulting with legislative leaders. That’s not the way I’d like to see things done, but even so, I’ll be there ready to work.

When it comes to school safety, I believe we need real solutions that will actually help families, students, and teachers. That means getting schools the security funding they were denied in 2023 and making sure kids have access to the mental health resources they need. Those are practical, meaningful steps we can take right now.

What I don’t support are political gestures or policies that might sound good on paper but haven’t worked in other states. Minnesotans deserve better than that.

As both your representative and your neighbor, I’ll keep pushing for commonsense measures that put our kids first and give families the peace of mind they deserve.

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Taking the Plunge for a Good Cause
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Last week at the East Grand Forks Showcase, I found myself in a rather unusual spot—not behind a podium or at a committee table, but sitting in a dunk tank. Yes, you read that right. With one well-aimed pitch, I was sent splashing into the water, all in the name of fun and community spirit.

The Showcase is one of my favorite annual events. It brings together our police, fire, public works, and other city departments to meet neighbors, answer questions, and show off everything from fire trucks to snowplows. Families enjoyed bounce houses, a sandbox, and, of course, the chance to dunk their mayor and their state representatives.

Here’s the best part: every $5 donation—or three canned goods—for dunk tank throws went straight to the East Grand Forks Food Shelf. A little water up my nose is a small price to pay for helping our neighbors.

Thank you to everyone who came out, cheered, laughed, and maybe even got me soaked. Events like this remind me why I love serving this community—we work hard, we help each other, and we know how to have a little fun along the way.

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Pack Your Bags, Juniors — The Capitol is Calling!
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High school juniors, listen up — the Minnesota House of Representatives is rolling out the red carpet for you! The High School Page Program isn’t your average week of school. Forget the class bells and cafeteria lunches — this adventure drops you right into the heart of the Capitol, where the real action happens.

Here’s what you’ll get to do:


* Rub elbows with your State Representative (yes, that includes me!)
* Watch laws get shaped, debated, and voted on — not just read about them in a textbook
* Sit in on committee hearings where the real behind-the-scenes debates happen
* Explore our historic Capitol like an insider — no visitor badge required!

If you’re a high school junior looking for a story to tell, leadership skills to build, or just a one-of-a-kind experience, this is it. I’d love to see students from our district seize this opportunity and bring a little hometown spirit to the Capitol halls.

The adventure starts [here] [ [link removed] ]!

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Blast to Brooks This Weekend!
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If you thought community celebrations were all wrapped up for the year, I’ve got great news—the 54th Annual Blast to Brooks is happening tomorrow Saturday, September 6th!

The day kicks off with a flea market at 10:00 AM and only gets bigger from there—classic cars and motorcycles, antique tractors, kids’ games, a grand parade, corn hole, and even a ping pong ball drop. Add in food vendors, face painting, a beer garden, and outdoor music all day long, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the most fun weekends of the year.

I plan to be there and hope you’ll join me in celebrating one of our community’s favorite traditions. Come for the parade, stay for the music, and let’s make this year’s Blast to Brooks the best one yet!

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Wishing You a Wonderful First Weekend of Fall

As we step into the very first weekend of fall, I hope you’re able to enjoy the crisp air, the changing leaves, and some time with friends and family. If you see me out and about this weekend, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello—I always enjoy visiting with neighbors.

And as always, please reach out if you have any concerns, questions, or ideas. Your input keeps me grounded and focused on the work that matters most for our community.

Wishing you a safe, fun, and refreshing start to the fall season!

Sincerely,

Representative Steve Gander

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B"











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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.5091







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