MN State Rep Brad Tabke - July 17, 2026
Big Tech shenanigans, Love Island shenanigans, and ICE shenanigans with the renewed Shakopee Podcast
**Respite
Before we get started, just want to make sure people know that the Shakopee Community Center has a free walking track and community room for Seniors if you need to get out of the heat and smoke. The Library is also a good option if you need a break. Hope you are doing well in these dangerous conditions.
Text me if you need help -> 952.380.6328 (my cell)
Big Tech Shenanigans
In very unexpected fashion, big tech is suing the State of MN over a social media bill that went into effect July 1.
The bill requires a popup warning on social media sites saying: “THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REQUIRES THIS MESSAGE: Some studies have shown that too much social media use is linked to increased mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression, as well as harm to diet, sleep, and body image. If you need help, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org.”
It is very clear to anyone who is even casually on social media sites that it can be detrimental to mental health and this is an attempt to break the cycle of people chronically online and suffering from mental health problems. Big tech claims it is intended to "block, burden, and browbeat" users. 🙄
💨 Cannabis Update
If you're into it, here is a website required by law to give transparency to Minnesota's cannabis market. Cannabis Market Monitor
🎥 Shakopee Observer Acquitted in ICE / Trooper Traffic Stop
Started The Shakopee Podcast back up with this banger on ICE/Trooper coordination in Shakopee that resulted in Shakopee resident Kevin Wetherille's acquittal for failure to use a turn signal. Listen and Subscribe
Shako Football
Shakopee's football team was featured in the Strib. "Top senior prospects Blake Betton and Nehemiah Ombati are joined by potential impact transfers this summer, making the Sabers a team to watch in Class 6A." Varsity.StarTribune.com
Flock Cams
"A Minnesota man’s routine shopping trip turned into a tense encounter with police after a license plate reader error wrongly flagged his car as stolen. State lawmaker Brad Tabke, representing the southwest metro, chatted with FOX 9's Leah Beno on the FOX 9 Sunday Morning News to talk about the mishap, and what's next for Flock cameras."
Watch the interview.
Question of the week:
What do you think about Flock cameras?
The State of Minnesota should ban them.
They are useful tools but need more guardrails.
I don't have a problem with Flock cameras.
Click here to add your opinion on the Question of the Week.
Scott County Library Self-Checkouts
Last week, Scott County approved purchasing self-checkout equipment for all seven Scott County libraries.
Shakopee Schools Legislative Update
On June 22, I was honored to talk with the Shakopee School Board about the previous legislative session. We got more done in the 2026 Session than I expected to:
Thank you to the Board and Educators for all their work in our community!!
Saved HCMC - critical medical facility for the metro and state
Constitutional Amendment on the ballot this fall to increase school funding
Important things that did not pass:
Keeping ICE off of school property. All Republicans in the legislature voted against this.
Gun Violence Prevention. All Republicans in the legislature voted against any gun violence prevention bills.
Longterm Facility Maintenance - the House GOP Tax Chair refused to move forward with my bill that would have saved Shakopee Schools $2 million. It looked really good and then they killed it at the end. I was ticked. Right now there is a dumb law that restricts the size of projects schools can do. So we can't fix all of our parking lots or HVAC systems at once, they have to be broken into smaller projects that cost more. Again. I was ticked.
Election Protection
As we've discussed, I'm very worried about free and fair elections this fall as the Trump administration continues to harm the integrity of state-run elections. If you want to get involved and fight for our elections process, here is a great group to join and get involved from my friends at Groundwork MN. Election Protection Network
**Reminder to request your absentee ballot and vote early. BradTabke.com/VOTE
Finally - Shako on Love Island
Shakopee kid, Ronnie Gunter, is on the latest season of Love Island. I am old and don't know what that is but I was rooting for him!!! MPR.org
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.
Don't forget to get your tickets for the 8/10 AYCE Sweet Corn and BLTs fundraiser. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year!
Tickets are $30 / Kids eat free. But if you can, donate $75 or more per person. You can get it fully refunded by the State through the PCR program. It's a good deal and helps us out a lot!
