Dear Neighbors,
It is a true honor to serve as your State Representative, and I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to represent our community. Our district is made up of approximately 44,000 people, and I am committed to serving all of you to the best of my ability, regardless of how you voted.
When I first took office, I was immediately approached by constituents who were struggling to obtain tabs for their salvaged vehicles. Many had been trying for months without success. The state requires an inspection to ensure that no stolen parts are involved, but after the Duluth-area inspection site closed due to COVID, many people were forced to drive for hours just to get their vehicles inspected.
I spent considerable time working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and personally followed up with every constituent who reached out. I proposed a solution: the state should partner with local auto shops in the district to provide the necessary inspection services. The state agreed, and they now offer a stipend to local businesses to facilitate inspections while a new facility is sought. This is just one example of how a State Representative can help solve issues that matter to all people, regardless of political affiliation. This spirit of collaboration is what I will continue to bring to my work as I enter my second term.
As we look to the 2025-2026 legislative session, there will be some key changes. Last session, with one-party control, the Majority Party had complete control over committees and floor votes. This often meant that important decisions were made with little input from the minority party. For example, the committees I served on—Children and Families, Health and Human Services, and Workforce—each had three more Democratic members than Republicans, which led to an imbalance in committee proceedings. As a result, bills were moved through the process largely on a partisan basis.
This upcoming session will be very different. For the second time in history, we are facing divided government, with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats in the House. This means equal representation for both parties in all committees and a shared leadership structure. For the first time in years, both parties will have an equal say in which bills are heard and how legislation progresses. This shift will require collaboration and consensus, and it will undoubtedly lead to a more balanced and productive session.
One issue that will continue to shape our work is the state’s budget. The last biennium saw the Majority Party move forward with an expensive project to build a new legislative office building and renovate the State House Building. This $750 million expenditure, which many felt was excessive given the budget challenges facing our schools, families, and workers, was made under one-party control. As a result, we now find ourselves without proper office space for the next two years. During this period, my office will be located in the Centennial Building, and visitors will need to be escorted to my cubicle on the floor. While this will make meeting logistics more challenging, I remain committed to being accessible to all of you. Over the last two years, I have averaged 6-10 visits per day, and I will continue to make myself available through multiple visits and by holding meetings in the Capitol and surrounding areas.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns or questions. You can contact me at rep.natalie.zeleznikar@house.mn.gov or reach out to Karen, my Legislative Assistant, to schedule a meeting at 651-297-5603. You can access my page at www.house.mn.gov and then go to top and select House below menu. Then scroll to bottom and select Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar. You may elect to click on a link to subscribe to emails for updates. In addition, if you desire to text or call me on my cell phone, I can be reached at 218- 409-6822.
Thank you for your trust and support as we work together to improve our community. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
In Service,
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar
