A New Bipartisan Effort
I am honored to have been selected for the Minnesota Legislative Exchange; a program modeled after the successful American Congressional Exchange in Washington, D.C.
With the Minnesota House evenly divided (67 Republicans – 67 Democrats) and the Senate nearly split (33 Republicans – 34 Democrats), cooperation is more important than ever. Regardless of who holds the gavel, Minnesotans deserve results, not gridlock.
Through this program, I will partner with Representative Ned Carroll, who represents the Plymouth area in District 42A. We both began our service in 2023, and both serve on the Health Committee. Together, we successfully worked on legislation that finally passed in 2025—allowing optometrists to practice within their scope, something advocates had pushed for over 17 years.
As part of the exchange, Rep. Carroll will visit our District 3B, and I will travel to his district. We will meet with business leaders, educators, healthcare providers, civic groups, and faith communities to learn directly from the people we represent. Minnesota is the first state to launch such a bipartisan pairing of legislators from districts with different geographies, cultures, and industries.
Why It Matters
This initiative provides legislators with a chance to sit down for meals, spend time together, and share the unique needs of their districts. When you spend time with people, even those you disagree with— you build understanding. From understanding comes trust, and with trust comes the ability to compromise and find common ground.
Every legislator serves with passion for their constituents. That passion is valuable. But to truly serve Minnesotans, passion must also be paired with a willingness to work together. None of us get 100% of what we want. The best outcomes come when we seek solutions that move our communities and state forward.
Compromise in Action
Over the last three years, I’ve seen firsthand how compromise produces results—even when the political makeup in St. Paul has shifted from a Democrat trifecta in 2023–2024 to a divided House in 2025. A few examples:
- Childcare Funding (2025): I re-wrote my entire childcare bill in conference committee to ensure $1 million in funding, with $250,000 directed to our district.
- EV Road Funding (2025): I authored a bill requiring electric vehicle owners to contribute fairly to road and bridge maintenance. It began as a $200 annual registration fee but was negotiated down to $150—a compromise to ensure fairness.
- Essential Support Person Bill (2024): I passed legislation guaranteeing that residents in nursing homes, assisted living, disability group homes, and hospital patients always have the right to at least one support person, even during a pandemic.
Moving Forward
I look forward to working with Rep. Ned Carroll in this unique opportunity to listen, learn, and lead together.
Compromise may not always make headlines, but it is the foundation of good governance. And as Minnesotans, we can take pride in building bridges that keep our state strong.
In Service,
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar House District 3B- Proudly serving Two Harbors, Hermantown, Rice Lake, Gary-New Duluth, Proctor, and 14 Townships
