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Legislative Update - 5 22 26

As the historic 2026 legislative session ends, I want to thank the residents of our district for the opportunity to serve you at the Minnesota Capitol. This session was unique in Minnesota history, with the House evenly divided. That balance created an environment where bipartisan conversations mattered and every vote required collaboration…

Legislative Update - 5 8 26

We are officially in the home stretch, with just nine days until adjournment.

Before we sprint across the finish line, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Truly. Thank you for the honor of serving as your voice in St. Paul…

Legislative Update - 5 1 26

This week, we heard a number of bills on the House floor, including legislation I authored HF 3832 that clarifies the definition of drug compounding to allow the use of flavoring agents that do not change a medication’s intended purpose…

Legislative Update - 4 27 26

This week, I want to talk a little about the make up of the legislative session in the 2023-24 session, where the House was comprised of 70 Democrats and 64 Republicans, and the Senate was comprised of 34 Democrats, and 33 Republicans. It is important to note every committee had 2-3 more Democrats on the committee so Republican…

Legislative Update - 4 17 26

Today marks the final committee deadline, meaning committees are wrapping up their work for the session. On Thursday, we brought forward two bills focused on affordability. HF 3562 would have lowered car tab fees back to pre-trifecta levels, and HF 4487 proposed a one-time property tax refund to provide relief for homeowners…

Legislative Update - 4 10 26

I hope everyone had a relaxing and joyful Easter. Last week, we were on spring break, and I was grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with my family. Now, we are back at the Capitol and have hit the ground running in both committee hearings and on the House floor…

Legislative Update - 3 27 26

As session continues to move quickly, I want to take a moment to update you on several key issues we’ve been working on at the Capitol.

Legislative Update - 3 20 26

I want to take a moment to update you on several of the bills I have authored and am working on this session, as well as some key priorities for our communities.

On March 17, HF 4110 was heard in committee. This bill modifies current break and meal requirements…

Budget Forecast and Legislative Priorities

This legislative session is only three months long, and it is imperative that we get bills passed that matter to you back home. With the Minnesota House tied at 67–67, it requires true bipartisan cooperation to move any bill out of the House Chamber…

Mental Health, Fraud, & More - Rep. Zeleznikar

It has been a very busy start to session, and we have been hearing many bills in committee. Fraud continues to be a top topic and priority in committees and our fraud committee has turned its attention to a growing crisis in the state’s autism services programs…

Northland Legislators Begin 2026 Session Focused on Accountability and Reform

St. Paul, MN — The 2026 Legislative Session began last Tuesday, and four Northland legislators reaffirmed their commitment to key priorities for Minnesotans…

Honoring a Life of Service as Session Begins

This week marks the beginning of the 2026 legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol. As I entered the chamber, I was reminded of the deep responsibility that comes with serving our district and our state. You work hard every day in your jobs, families, and communities…

A Path Forward For Minnesota

Martin Luther King Jr. had many powerful quotes, and one in particular feels especially fitting for this moment in time for Minnesota: “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”

Human behavior must be intentional, grounded in personal restraint and a willingness to…

RELEASE: Rep. Zeleznikar Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Hearing to Protect Female Sports

Saint Paul, MN – Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, issued the following statement today as the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in cases from Idaho and West Virginia defending state laws designed to protect fairness in women’s sports…

Happy New Year - Rep. Zeleznikar Update

Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, I hope each of you enjoyed a season of reflection, renewal, and restoration. I certainly did. Becoming a new grandma brought tremendous joy, along with baking 75 dozen cookies, decorating our home, enjoying family time…

Happy Holidays - December Newsletter

It is hard to believe Christmas is just 9 days away and that we are closing out the year 2025. If you are like me, this season is filled with the joyful hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a time we look forward to checking the mail for Christmas photos from friends and family…

Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar's Statement on November Budget Forecast

St. Paul – On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget released its November forecast, showing stability in the near term but clear warning signs for the future. State spending continues to outpace incoming revenue, placing Minnesota on a path toward potential deficits unless…

Happy Thanksgiving - November Update

It is hard to believe the month of Thanksgiving is already here. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and make a daily effort to appreciate the blessings around us. This season, I have been especially mindful of those who serve our nation. As the federal government shutdown loomed in…

Homeowner’s Homestead Credit Refund

The Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund can provide relief to homeowners paying property taxes…

Supporting Our National Guard this Holiday Season!

Please join me and help those who protect us!

Links to Local Food Shelves

Accepting volunteers, qualified food donations, and tax deductible financial contributions.

A Call to Restore Our Shared Moral Compass

As I drove to meetings this week, I found myself reflecting on a difficult question:

When did our shared understanding of a unified moral compass begin to disintegrate before our very eyes?…

RELEASE: Rep. Zeleznikar Reaffirms Support for Fairness in Girls Sports

St. Paul, MN— State Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, issued the following statement after a joint federal investigation found the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League violated Title IX by…

Legislative Update - August 13, 2025

I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful summer. It’s hard to believe it’s already August and that kids will be heading back to school soon. I remember thinking, Yes, it’s summer — no parent portal for three months! While raising kids, it often felt like there were only two seasons: summer and parent portal.

Legislative Update - July 22, 2025

I hope you are all enjoying your summer. It is always a busy time with weddings, reunions, and time with family and friends. July begins the parade season, and my first parade at Heritage Days in Two Harbors was fantastic. We handed out flags to all the kids and enjoyed seeing thousands at the parade and festivities. It was wonderful to be in the community again.

2025 Session Highlights

The 2025 legislative session was distinctive with a historic evenly divided House of Representatives. This provided an opportunity to ensure every bill passed had bipartisan support which they did. I was honored to serve on the Children and Families, Labor & Workforce, Rules, as well as the Health Committee…

Legislative Update - July 3, 2025

The events of the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, were beyond anything I could have ever imagined. As a woman who is rarely without words, I found myself truly speechless.

In an instant, lives were stolen—House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their beloved dog Gilbert were senselessly assassinated in their home…

Legislative Update - May 30, 2025

It has been a historic session with the 67-67 tie in the House. However, my first session was also unusual as we were in a trifecta. It’s not surprising we are going into a special session after the House Democrats didn’t show up to work for 23 days while still collecting a tax-payer funded paycheck.

Legislative Update - May 16, 2025

First, my heart is heavy in the wake of the devastating wildfires impacting Ault and Fairbanks Townships. I extend my deepest apologies to those affected by the destruction and disruption these fires have caused. The loss and uncertainty so many are facing is unimaginable, and I want you to know that you are not alone…

Legislative Update - April 25, 2025

Easter break is over, and we are back in session working to get budget bills completed. As the House and Senate work to get their committees wrapped up, both chambers will vote on bills. The next step will include conference committees to ensure the House and Senate have an agreement on the budget targets and the bill language.

Legislative Update - April 16, 2025

There is no magic money tree. There are hard choices to be made in the 2025 legislative session to complete a balanced budget by May 19, 2025.

Just two years ago, Minnesota had an $18.5 billion surplus. However, the financial reality in 2025 looks much different…

Legislative Update - April 11, 2025

For decades, Minnesota was a leader in education. However, I am highlighting what the state of the union may look like with the current proposed cuts of $250 million by Governor Walz. With the high number of emails, phone calls, and texts from throughout the district I decided to do a deep dive on this topic…

Legislative Update - April 4 2025

The Northern delegation of House Republicans is standing strong together for mining. Devastating news hit the Iron Range with news of 600 layoffs for miners in Hibbing and Virginia. Following the layoff’s, Cleveland Cliffs made statements that “tariffs have nothing to do with their decision and explained how steel tariffs have long played a crucial role in protecting the US economy…

Legislative Update - March 27, 2025

As the month of March wraps up, the days are busy at the Capitol. This week I want to highlight some of the healthcare-related bills I have authored and received hearings for.

HF 499 is a bill that allows a nurse who graduated and passed their board exam to practice with a temporary license for 90 days vs. 60 days

Legislative Update - March 21, 2025

It has been another very busy week as we are in the middle of session.

This week, I met with employees from nursing homes and assisted living centers, and the message was clear: “Stop the cuts to Minnesota Seniors.” Disability providers shared the same concerns…

Legislative Update - March 13, 2025

It has been another busy week here at the Capitol. On Monday we heard House File 23 on the House Floor. HF 23 expands whistleblower protections to cover all state employees, not just classified state workers, and explicitly includes reports of ‘fraud’ and ‘misuse’ as protected disclosures…

Legislative Update - March 7, 2025

While you are busy working and tending to your daily life back home, I am working on issues that matter to many. Therefore, I have authored & co-authored bills to address funding ambulance services, lowering taxes, growing childcare slots, supporting mental health, growing…

Legislative Update - February 28, 2025

It has been another busy week at the Capitol. I introduced two bills this week, House File 337 and House File 500.

HF 337, Funding Greater MN Ambulance Services, was heard in the…

Legislative Update - February 26, 2025

It’s been a busy week here in St. Paul with lots of bill hearings, events, and floor sessions. This week I introduced 4 bills…

Legislative Update - January 17, 2025

As we enter a crucial budget year, Minnesota House Republicans are already focused on the work ahead. With a passed budget essential to avoid a potential state government shutdown, it’s a busy time in the legislature. I am…

District 3B Youth in Government

This years YMCA Youth in Government conference was held January 9-12 at the state capitol in St. Paul. The Duluth Delegation from Representative Zeleznikar’s district (3B) had 92 students in attendance who took on the role of legislators, lawyers, judges, lobbyists, journalists…