Legislative Update We’ve made it, folks—the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session are upon us! After months of heavy lifting in committees (where the real political fireworks have been popping off), we’re now shifting to the main event: floor debates. And if you thought committee meetings were wild, just wait until you see what’s coming next. Today, April 4th, marks not one but two major budget deadlines. The first deadline means all policy bills have officially cleared their respective House committees, and the second means those same bills have made it through the Senate. We're checking boxes and moving fast! Next Friday, April 11th, is the third and final deadline—by then, all finance bills must be approved by their committees. Translation: the legislative gears are turning at full speed. With the House locked in a 67-67 tie, we have the opportunity to work together on legislation that will benefit ALL Minnesotans. That’s a huge win for Minnesota! And just imagine—if we keep this momentum going for the next two years, what else could we accomplish? The future is looking bright, and I’m grateful to be in the thick of it with all of you cheering us on. Stay tuned—it’s about to get interesting! 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. Remember, just a couple of years ago, the Democrat Trifecta spent the entire $18 billion surplus, hiked taxes by $10 billion, and increased government spending by 40%—which left us staring down a looming $6 billion deficit. This new negotiated framework takes a huge bite out of that problem, reducing the future deficit to $2.226 billion—a major step toward getting Minnesota’s finances back on track. House Republicans held firm against tax hikes and fought to “right-size” government, making it leaner and more efficient while still ensuring Minnesotans get the services they rely on. Is this budget perfect? No. But given the divided House, it’s a major win for fiscal responsibility. Lakeville Chamber Takes on the Hill! On Thursday, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce to the Capitol for Chamber Day at the Hill—and let me tell you, they brought the energy (and the hometown pride)! It’s always a treat to connect with the hardworking business leaders who keep our local economy thriving. We talked shop, shared stories, and tackled the big questions—like how to ensure Lakeville continues to grow in a sustainable way and how we can cut through the red tape to make grand opening ribbon cuttings more exciting and accessible. As always, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to listen, learn, and understand what matters most to the folks back home. These conversations shape the work I do here at the Capitol—and remind me why this job is such a privilege. To the Lakeville Chamber crew: thank you for your leadership, your vision, and for making Chamber Day at the Hill one to remember!  Elevating Public Safety: Introducing HF1396If you told me a few years ago that I’d be excited to talk about drones, I might’ve laughed—but here we are! I’m proud to have authored House File 1396, a bill that gives law enforcement more flexibility in using drones (aka unmanned aerial vehicles) to help keep our communities safe. This isn’t about spy movies or sci-fi plots—this is about practical, common-sense ways to use technology for good. Think: drones helping with search-and-rescue missions, documenting crash scenes faster, or keeping big public events safe and sound—all while saving time, resources, and maybe even lives. We’re making sure there are strong guardrails in place for privacy and accountability, but at the end of the day, this is about giving our first responders the tools they need to do their jobs even better. It's smart. It's safe. It's the kind of forward-thinking policy that makes me nerd out a little—and hey, if it means fewer traffic jams because accidents get cleared quicker, I think its a win for all of us! Take Me Out to the Ball Game (Please!) The real Opening Day has arrived—Twins baseball is back at Target Field, and this lifelong fan is pumped! There’s just something magical about that first home game of the season: the energy in the crowd, the smell of hot dogs and fresh popcorn, the unmistakable sound of a fastball smacking a catcher’s mitt... chef’s kiss. After weeks of back-to-back committee hearings, deadlines, and policy debates, you can bet I’m more than ready to swap my notes and highlighters for peanuts and cracker jacks! Once things slow down a bit at the Capitol, I’m making a beeline for the ballpark. As some of you may know, many state legislators have jobs outside of the Capitol. When I’m not here at the Capitol, I’m proud to work as Game Day Security for the Minnesota Twins. This is my ninth season with the team, and while I was busy at work on opening day, I was still cheering them on from the Capitol. There’s truly no better way to soak up the spring sunshine than with a Twins cap on your head and your favorite people by your side. We’ve got high hopes for the season—and yes, I’ll be the one in the stands cheering like it’s the bottom of the 9th in Game 7 (because hope springs eternal in Twins Territory!). So here’s to a season full of home runs, walk-offs, and maybe even a few spontaneous seventh-inning stretches around the house. Let’s play ball, Minnesota! A Lasting Tribute to Fallen Heroes Some days at the Capitol are heavier than others—and this week, we felt the weight of deep loss and lasting gratitude. On February 18, 2024, our state lost three remarkable heroes: Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth. They gave everything in service to their community. Their courage, selflessness, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I had the solemn honor of presenting House File 2554, which designates the Burnsville Parkway bridge over I-35W as a permanent tribute to their memory, renaming it the Elmstrand, Finseth, Ruge, Heroes Memorial Bridge. This small but meaningful gesture ensures that every Minnesotan who crosses that bridge will remember the names of those who ran toward danger when others chose to run away. We can never repay their bravery—but we can make sure their legacy lives on. Always. You can view my full remarks [here]. Celebrating Heroes, Championing Their Future This past week, I had the profound honor of attending the Hometown Heroes Outdoors Gala—an evening dedicated to celebrating those who have served our nation with courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. The event was made even more special by the recognition of Corporal Donald Graves as their Person of the Year. At 99 years old, Corporal Graves is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II and a proud survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima—a true American hero whose legacy continues to inspire us all. I was fortunate enough to shake Corporal Graves’ hand and personally thank him for his service. Moments like that stay with you. They remind us why we do this work—why we fight for good policy, meaningful support, and strong communities. This event held particular meaning for me, as I’m proud to be coauthoring House File 492—legislation that supports Hometown Hero Outdoors, a nonprofit doing incredible work to help our veterans and currently serving military members. This bill provides funding for outdoor recreational activities and vital mental health services, giving our heroes the space to heal, connect, and recharge. We’re not just talking about a walk in the woods (though that helps too)—we’re talking about meaningful opportunities for connection, public education on mental health, and ongoing support for those who’ve given so much. I’m incredibly proud to stand behind this effort, and grateful to my colleagues who are backing it with strong, bipartisan support. Because when it comes to caring for those who’ve served, we should always go the extra mile—and a few extra miles in the great Minnesota outdoors sounds like a great place to start. Please Reach Out!Your thoughts, questions, and ideas are what keep me going! If there's something on your mind—whether it's about these bills or something else—please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can always reach me by phone or email at rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov. It’s a true honor to represent you at the Capitol. Together, let’s keep making Minnesota a better place—one idea at a time! Take care, Representative Jeff Witte Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |