Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’ve made it—the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session is here! After months of hard work in committees , it’s time for the main event: floor debates. If you thought the committee action was intense, buckle up—this is where the real fireworks happen. As of today, April 4th, we’re hitting not one, but two big budget deadlines. First, all policy bills have officially made it through their House committees. Then, the same bills passed through the Senate—check and check! We’re making some serious progress. Our next big deadline is April 11th, when all finance bills need to be approved by their committees. We’re moving fast! With the House locked in to a 67-67 tie, we’re in a strong spot to push back on extreme proposals and stop unnecessary tax hikes in their tracks. This balance of power gives us a chance to fight for the policies that really matter for Minnesota’s future. Just imagine what we could achieve if we keep this momentum going for the next two years! Thanks for being a part of this journey. It’s about to get interesting—stay tuned! Budget Breakthrough: A Step in the Right DirectionIt’s not every day that Republicans and Democrats find common ground on the budget, but over the weekend, an agreement was reached—one that represents the largest total spending reduction in Minnesota state history. That’s right, this budget framework includes a $3.9 billion reduction compared to the last budget. This is a big step toward fixing the financial mess left behind by Democrats, who, in just two years, spent an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and expanded government spending by 40%. While we can’t undo the damage overnight, this agreement takes a major step forward, cutting $2.6 billion from the projected 2028-2029 budget deficit and reducing it from $6 billion to $2.2 billion. House Republicans remain firmly opposed to tax increases and are committed to right-sizing government—making it smaller, more efficient, and focused on delivering core services Minnesotans actually depend on. Given the divided nature of the House, this budget framework is a win for fiscal responsibility and a step toward a more sustainable financial future for our state. We’ll keep fighting to ensure Minnesota taxpayers are prioritized, not burdened with more reckless spending. Cutting Waste, Reclaiming Dollars Let’s talk about House File 2532—a common-sense cleanup bill that puts taxpayer dollars back where they belong. In 2023, the legislature created a $70 million account for community crime and violence prevention grants. But here’s the kicker: over $40 million of that money has just been sitting there, untouched. That’s where my bill comes in. HF 2532 eliminates the dormant Community Crime and Violence Prevention Account and transfers the remaining $42 million right back into the general fund—where it can actually do something for Minnesotans. This is about responsible budgeting. If funds aren’t being used as intended, we shouldn’t let them gather dust—we should reinvest them where they’ll have real impact. I’m proud to carry this bill forward as a small but mighty step toward smarter, leaner government. Because cleaning up old accounts may not make headlines—but hey, good governance rarely does. Homegrown Pride: Elk River Students Visit the Capitol One of the best parts of session? When school groups come to visit the Capitol! This Thursday, I had the absolute joy of welcoming students from VandenBerge Middle School in Elk River—my old stomping grounds! It was a full-circle moment standing in the rotunda, chatting with students who now walk the same halls I once did (though I’m pretty sure the lockers have gotten smaller over the years). When I was their age, I never imagined I’d one day be serving as a State Representative. Getting to share this space with the next generation of leaders was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much potential is ahead. Who knows? Maybe one of them will be up here someday too. Please Reach Out!As always, your thoughts and concerns are at the heart of the work I do here at the Capitol. Whether you have questions about the legislation I’m working on or want to share what’s on your mind, my door is always open—I’m here to listen and serve. You can reach my office by phone or email, and for real-time updates on the latest from the Capitol, be sure to follow my Facebook page here. It’s a privilege to represent District 30B, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight for our shared values. Together, we’ll continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Minnesota. Sincerely, Representative Paul Novotny Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B |