Legislative UpdateFriends and Neighbors, I hope you’re all doing well and that you’ve had a chance to enjoy this (slowly) warming weather! Things have been moving fast at the Capitol, and I want to take a moment to update you on some big developments. First off—let’s talk about Minnesota’s $6 billion deficit. Yep, you read that right. After record-setting surpluses just a couple of years ago, the state has now swung hard in the opposite direction, leaving us with some serious budget challenges. That means we need to make tough but necessary decisions to get our finances back on track. I’m focused on prioritizing essential services, cutting wasteful spending, and making sure taxpayers’ dollars are being used responsibly. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come, and I’ll be keeping you updated every step of the way! A New Dynamic in the Minnesota HouseWell, things just got a little more interesting at the Minnesota House. With the Roseville special election now settled, we’re officially looking at a 67-67 tie. While that doesn’t drastically change the vote math (we still need at least one Democrat to pass a bill), it does have some major implications for how things operate—especially in committees. Here’s what’s different:- Most committees are now evenly split between Republicans and Democrats—except for the Fraud and Oversight Committee.
- Committee chairs will switch back and forth every other day, meaning which party runs the show will change regularly.
- Nothing moves forward without bipartisan cooperation—if a bill doesn’t have support from both sides, it won’t make it out of committee.
What does this mean for us? Well, it forces both sides to work together—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—but it also means we’re in for some more intense committee debates and tougher budget talks. At the end of the day, my priorities haven’t changed. I’m here to fight for fiscal responsibility, smarter spending, and infrastructure investments that make sense for Minnesotans. We’ve seen what happens when the budget gets out of control, and we can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes. The last point about state spending outpacing state revenue comes as no surprise. That is because Democrats spent the state’s $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and increased the state budget by 40 percent with the budget they enacted in 2023. It should also be noted that the total amount of spending from all funds is $128 billion. When is enough, enough? It’s time to roll up our sleeves, work together, and make some real budget cuts. We need to prioritize real needs, rein in reckless spending, and ensure our state is on solid financial ground for the future. No more kicking the can down the road—Minnesotans deserve better. Strengthening Integrity in Minnesota’s Lottery System with HF 1867I’m excited to share that House File 1867, a bill I authored to ensure stronger accountability in our state lottery system, has received full bipartisan support and is moving forward to a hearing! So, what does this bill do? Simply put, it tightens the rules on who can manage lottery ticket sales at retailer locations. Right now, background checks for businesses selling lottery tickets focus only on the entity itself. HF1867 changes that by requiring background checks for the key decision-makers—owners, officers, and directors—to make sure those in charge meet ethical and legal standards. This means: - Clear accountability for those responsible for lottery sales
- More thorough background checks to prevent fraud or bad actors from getting involved.
- A stronger, more trustworthy lottery system for Minnesota
The lottery is a big deal in our state, helping fund schools, the environment, and so much more. We need to make sure it’s run with integrity. I’m proud to see support from both sides of the aisle on this effort, and I’ll keep you updated as HF1867 moves through the legislative process! HF 797:Tax Relief for Charitable GamblingI’m proud to introduce a bill that will provide much-needed tax relief for charitable gambling operations across Minnesota. House File 797 reduces the combined net receipts tax on lawful gambling while expanding tax brackets, ensuring that organizations keep more of their hard-earned money to reinvest in our communities. For years, charitable organizations, veterans’ groups, and local clubs have relied on lawful gambling to support important causes—from youth sports teams to community improvement projects. But under current tax rates, a significant portion of their revenue goes straight to the state, rather than benefiting the people and programs they were created to serve. This bill does three key things: - Lowers the tax rates across all brackets, giving relief to organizations that give back to their communities.
- Expands the tax brackets, allowing more organizations to keep a greater share of their earnings.
- Encourages continued investment in charitable initiatives by ensuring that more of these funds stay local, rather than being eaten up by high taxes.
By adjusting these tax rates and brackets, we’re making sure Minnesota’s charitable organizations can thrive—because every dollar that stays in the community is a dollar that makes a difference. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill across the finish line! Supporting HF13: Advocating for Victims' RightsI’m proud to support House File 13, a bill introduced by Representative Matt Bliss (R-Pennington). This bill would eliminate the current requirement for a person to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense, making it easier for individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones when facing an immediate threat. Right now, Minnesota law says you must try to retreat, if possible, before using force. HF13 would change that, allowing people to stand their ground when they’re confronted with danger. This is especially important in situations where retreating just isn’t a viable option. Supporting victims’ rights is something I care deeply about. As someone who’s spent years in law enforcement, I know how crucial it is to have laws that allow individuals to defend themselves when needed, without unnecessary obstacles. I’m confident that HF13 is a step in the right direction to empower Minnesotans to protect themselves and their families. It’s a commonsense bill, and I’ll be fighting for it because the right to defend yourself should always be a top priority. I hope my Democrat colleagues will join me in advocating for the safety and well-being of citizens across Minnesota. Taking the Time to Get Paid Family Leave RightPaid Family and Medical Leave is an important program designed to help Minnesotans take care of their loved ones without sacrificing financial stability. House File 11, as it currently stands, accelerates the rollout of this program—but we’re advocating for a more measured approach to make sure it is implemented effectively and responsibly. One key aspect of PFML that many people may not realize is how it will be funded. Paid Family and Medical Leave isn’t free—just like Social Security or unemployment insurance, the funding will come directly from your paycheck. Employees and employers will both be required to contribute, meaning you’ll see a new deduction on your earnings to cover the cost of the program. Other states that have rushed implementation on similar programs have faced serious challenges, including delayed benefits, overwhelmed systems, higher-than-expected costs, and confusion for both businesses and employees. By taking a little more time to refine the rollout, we can ensure that the system is ready, businesses have the tools they need to comply, and Minnesotans fully understand how the program will affect their take-home pay. Delaying the rollout isn’t about stopping Paid Family Leave—it’s about making sure it actually works for the people who need it most, without creating unnecessary hardships for workers or businesses. Please Contact MeAs always, I’m here to serve you and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear at the Capitol. If you ever have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about what’s happening in St. Paul, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can call my office at 651-296-6829 or send me an email at rep.jim.joy@house.mn.gov—I’d love to hear from you. Stay connected and follow along for updates on Facebook here! Wishing you a fantastic weekend!  Representative Jim Joy Minnesota House of Representatives, District 4B |