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Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone that came out for Saturday’s Community Conversation on Gun Violence. This was a powerful conversation with our District 49 Team, neighbors, advocates, and gun violence prevention experts.
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While many of us were hoping we could address gun violence in a special legislative session this fall, Republican obstruction took that option off the table. That doesn’t lessen the urgency around this issue. When we return for the 2026 Legislative Session in February, addressing gun violence will be top of mind for me and my DFL colleagues.
Whether or not you were able to join us last weekend, always feel free to contact me to share your story, raise concerns, and propose ideas as we prepare for a “policy year” at the legislature.
What’s a policy year? The first year of the legislative biennium (this year) has one constitutional requirement, and that’s to pass a balanced state budget. Much of our work done this year was primarily focused on financial matters, though some policy work still gets done.
Next year, with a two-year state budget already passed, means we’re left to focus significantly more on policy. There will be some budgetary matters, especially if we’re responding to shortfalls from the federal governments, but the bulk of work in 2026 will be on policy.
Capital Investment
Another focus of next year’s work will be the Capital Investment Bill. This fall, the House Capital Investment Committee traveled the state, visiting communities and sites of proposed investment in state infrastructure. Last week, I welcomed them to our district to highlight our community’s needs and the impact of the projects I’ll be fighting for in the Minnesota House.
As with our Community Conversation on Gun Violence, the safety of our neighbors is top of mind for my work at the legislature, and two of our regional projects vying for state investment are focused on public safety.
I welcomed the committee to one of the City of Minnetonka’s fire stations, which is in need of an upgrade. MPR covered the visit, which you can read about and listen to here.
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Committee members also met with Eden Prairie Police & Fire, where they learned about the city’s request for state investment in a garage and storage facility to house regional fire, police, and other public safety equipment.
Having completed their tours, committee members will now begin the work of crafting the 2026 Capital Investment Bill - often called a “bonding bill” as it’s funded by the sale of state bonds. This is typically one of the last bills passed during the legislative session, so I’ll be spending much of next year advocating for these crucial public safety infrastructure projects. I’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Feeding Minnesotans
The Republicans’ federal government shutdown is finally over. While it’s a good thing federal employees are finally getting paid, Minnesota is still left to deal with the fallout, especially when it comes to ensuring those facing food insecurity are able to eat.
The attacks on SNAP and other forms of food assistance do nothing to make our communities stronger, they only serve to hurt people who are already struggling. Over 4,000 people in Eden Prairie and Minnetonka rely on SNAP.
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Recently, I joined some legislative colleagues and 2nd Harvest Heartland to help pack food. I also led a food drive across our district, with our communities donating over 600 pounds to help our neighbors in need. Looking for other ways to help? Hunger Solutions’ Find Help Map is a great resource for state and local food banks that could use your assistance, I encourage you to check it out! |
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Stay Connected
Regardless of whether you were able to join us last weekend, always feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you have on how to make our community and state better. You can contact my office at [email protected] or 651-296-3964. You can also “like” and follow my official Facebook page.
Also, if you haven’t yet, consider taking my brief legislative survey! The 2026 Legislative Session will be here before you know it, and my work is at its best when it’s rooted in your needs and those of our community. As results currently stand, 58% of responders view Health & Human Services as an important budget issue, and 69% identify Medicaid as an important program to them or their family.
If you haven’t yet, you can still take the survey here.
Lastly, in this season of thanks, I want to thank you for the honor of representing our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This year has been filled with incredible highs and lows, but your support and dedication to our community is really what makes this work so special.
Wishing you and yours a very peaceful holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
 Alex Falconer
State Representative
House District 49A
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State Representative Alex Falconer
5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone: 651-296-3964
Email: [email protected] (replies to this newsletter are not monitored).
Website
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