MN State Rep Brad Tabke - July 10, 2026
Voting Info, BLTs, Southbridge, Mana's B-day, and more
The Shakopee Newsletter
Trying out a new format of email for getting information to Shakopee residents.
One of the most frustrating things I hear from Shako folks is our lack of newspaper and information. Another reason why we shouldn't let corporate hedge funds and greed take over our communities.
I'm going to try and share things people are asking me about and the work that I'm doing here and fill a little of that void. And in coming weeks, I'm getting The Shakopee Podcast (old episodes here) revved back up. :)
My intent is a solid mix of Shako news, State of MN news, and some campaigning / self-aggrandizing. Scroll to the bottom to unsubscribe if that isn't your jam.
So please share with your friends and let me know what you think. As Katy will let you know, I'm always open to being wrong about things.
Click here to take a quick survey to help me better know what you are looking for as your State Rep.
Upcoming Voting Deets
#1 - Vote early. Please. Who knows what new hells we will be up against by November.
#2 - City of Shakopee got an update on 2026 elections from Scott County Elections Administrator, Julie Hanson. Since the...erm...issues Shakopee had during our last election, I passed legislation clarifying how absentee ballots need to be processed along with a way to save the City of Shakopee ~$100k on administering voting. Proud of that work. City Elections Info
Primary Voting
June 26 - In-person absentee voting begins at Scott County Public Works (only)
July 24 - In-person voting begins at Shakopee City Hall
August 11 - Election Day at your Precinct Polling Location
General Election Voting
Sept 18 - In-person absentee voting begins at Scott County Public Works (only)
October 16 - In-person voting begins at Shakopee City Hall
Nov 3 - Election Day at your Precinct Polling Location
Again - I am HIGHLY recommending people vote early. Request your absentee ballot here.
Bipartisan Beer
Somehow this pic of my GOP friend, Rep Bjorn Olson, and me getting lunch together caught fire this Spring. I think everyone is looking for some calm and normalcy in the midst of the chaos and terror coming from Washington DC.
All legislators got an email from the owner at Sweeney's for a free lunch if a GOP and DFL member came together. Bjorn had been deployed to the Middle East and we hadn't had the time to catch up since session started. We were the first to take him up on it. See us in People Magazine.
New Law - Anonymous Threat Reporting
One of the things we accomplished this session was beginning a concerted effort to report threats in our schools. The law gives school districts a couple of years to implement a program to anonymously submit threats to the MN BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) for evaluation. Its a good thing led by House Rep Kari Rehrauer. Learn More
$40m for Housing
One of the biggest things I hear about talking to constituents is cost of housing. The State has a major role to play in reducing the costs of housing so you are better able to afford your life.
This year, we passed $40m to help Minnesotans stay in their homes and prevent homelessness. Learn more.
Un-Clustering the Southbridge 4-Way Stop
The City is installing a roundabout at the infamous 4-way stop in Southbridge by Petsmart and soon-to-be Chickfila. It should be done by the end of October. Make sure to support the small businesses back in there during construction and treat them well. I'll be stopping by Tokyo Sushi and Soi 21. City's Project Page
Prairie Pointe Apartments
Last month, I got the opportunity to tour Prairie Pointe Apartments by the old KC Hall. (I missed the groundbreaking because of Session.) It is an incredible building specifically to get homeless families stability, dignity, and the opportunity to get back on their feet. Learn more.
BLTs, Sweet Corn, and Pie Auction - Aug 10
Our major fundraiser of the year is coming up on August 10th w/ AYCE sweet corn and BLTs plus - the highlight of the night - a Pie Auction!!
Get your tickets at BradTabke.com. I am PACd out for this cycle. If you know what that means, get your $30 tickets here with SD54.
Southbridge Garden Center / Carwash
Planning Commission heard a proposal for Garden Center, retail buildings, and car wash by River Valley Church. They will remove a significant number of trees and the developers were laying the groundwork to get out of having to pay for replacements. We passed ordinance while I was Mayor to require tree replacements or funding for their replacement - especially of old trees like these. Watch the meeting
HBD, Mana 🎉
Mana Brewing turns FOUR this weekend with some pretty good deals. Mana is our go-to for trivia on Wednesday nights. Mana B-Day
Tabke for MN Campaign Calendar
We win with door knocking. And we only won by 14 last time - so help me out. Click for details.