Minnesotans rely on the dedication of our volunteer firefighters. These brave men and women make up more than 96% of our state’s firefighting force. Unfortunately, recently proposed regulations drafted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) threaten to impose significant financial and operational burdens on their departments, threatening their ability to keep our communities safe.

Last week, we hosted a roundtable discussion with Fire Chiefs and firefighters from across the Sixth District to discuss the proposed regulations. We were joined by representatives from the Howard Lake, Cokato, Dassel, St. Michael, Buffalo, and Rockford Fire Departments. 

The regulations seek to update the Fire Brigades Standard, which has seen minimal updates since its creation in 1980. If implemented, this rule would override current safety guidelines, significantly escalate spending, and strain volunteer firefighters at a time when staffing levels are at record lows.

Minnesota is home to more than 700 volunteer fire departments, saving taxpayers billions of dollars annually while providing reliable first responder services throughout our state. We will continue to do all we can to support our brave firefighters and their departments.

Our state’s transportation infrastructure keeps Minnesotans moving, getting them to school, work, and appointments on time.

Last week, we had a chance to visit the site of the Hwy. 5 Mobility Project. This project will address a section of Hwy. 5 in Chanhassen and Victory that is currently plagued with congestion, and severe and fatal crashes.

We were proud to help secure federal infrastructure funding for this project during the 2024 government funding process and look forward to continuing to work with our local partners to ensure its completion.

If our office can ever be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at our Otsego office at (763) 241-6848 or our Chaska office at (952) 262-2999.