Legislative Update Things are moving fast here at the Capitol! Today, April 11, marks our third and final budget deadline—a key checkpoint in the legislative process. All finance bills must be approved in committee by day’s end to stay alive. It's a busy time, but we're staying focused and pushing forward. Behind the scenes, budget negotiations are heating up. We’re working hard to put together a responsible plan—one that protects essential services without hiking taxes on hardworking Minnesotans. Families and small businesses are already feeling the squeeze, and it's our job to make sure government doesn’t make things worse. That means holding the line on taxes and keeping spending in check. After today’s deadline, we’ll head back to our districts for a short spring recess. I’m looking forward to checking in with folks back home, hearing your concerns, and getting your input as we gear up for the final stretch. We’re back in action on April 21, and from there it’s full speed ahead to wrap up this year’s work. Thanks for staying engaged and trusting me to represent you at the Capitol. I’ll keep you posted—there’s more to come! Working Together to Support Our Schools As we work through another busy legislative session, I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the Minnesota House of Representatives to introduce a plan that truly puts our schools, educators, and students first. The challenges facing our schools right now are real, and as a parent, a community member, and a policymaker, I’m committed to ensuring that we give our schools the tools they need to thrive. It's no secret that education is the backbone of our future. But the Governor’s proposed budget simply isn’t enough. It cuts critical funding that our teachers and students depend on, while pushing those costs onto local communities. We’ve seen the struggle first-hand—educators working tirelessly without the support they deserve. We can do better, and we must do better. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a series of bills that will protect and strengthen our schools, while ensuring that they have the flexibility to meet the needs of their students. What We’re Fighting For: In my view, education isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about empowering our teachers to do what they do best: educate, inspire, and build a brighter future. The bills we’re introducing focus on supporting our educators, making sure schools have the resources they need, and allowing local school districts to make decisions that are best for their communities. Here’s What We’re Offering: House File 2318: This bill will help our dedicated educators retire with dignity by allowing them to retire at age 62 with an unreduced pension after 30 years of service. We owe our teachers so much, and this bill is just one way to show that appreciation. House File 2329: Expanding early retirement options, this bill allows teachers as young as 60 with 30 years of service to retire, offering them more flexibility and ensuring we can retain experienced educators. House File 2388: Increasing per-student funding by $100 across the board—getting more resources straight to our schools where they’re needed most. House File 2201: Reallocating $112 million per year back into our local schools, this bill continues to provide free breakfast for all students and lunch for families earning up to $156,000 a year. We need to make sure every student is well-fed and ready to learn. House File 1803: Reducing the amount of time special education teachers spend on paperwork, this bill ensures that teachers have more time to focus on what matters most—helping students with special needs succeed. House File 1435: Giving schools the freedom to design innovative programs without waiting for approval from the state, this bill empowers local districts to create solutions that work for their students. House File 1052: Allowing schools to suspend disruptive K-3 students for up to three days, this bill helps maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students. House File 957: This bill provides schools the flexibility to implement the over-65 mandate on their own timeline, allowing them to meet local needs in the way that works best for their district. House File 56: Expanding access to new student support funding, this bill ensures that schools can use these resources to meet the specific needs of their students. While there’s still work to be done, these bills represent a commitment to providing real, practical solutions for Minnesota’s schools. Even with the challenges posed by a budget deficit, we are focused on solutions that empower our local schools, respect the expertise of educators, and ensure every student gets the best education possible. I’m excited to continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to make these changes a reality. Together, we can strengthen our schools, support our educators, and provide our students with the tools they need to succeed. Let’s keep fighting for the future of Minnesota! You can view the full press conference on our solution [HERE]. Honoring Our Heroes at the Capitol Wednesday was one of those days that stays with you. I had the privilege of attending Veterans Day on the Hill, and I can honestly say it was one of the most humbling experiences of the session so far. There’s something powerful about standing face-to-face with the men and women who’ve served our country. Shaking their hands, hearing their stories, and being able to say “thank you” in person—it meant the world. These heroes didn’t just serve in uniform; they served with their hearts, with courage, and with a love for this country that’s hard to put into words. Our veterans deserve more than our gratitude—they deserve our unwavering support long after their service ends. That means ensuring they have access to the care, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in civilian life. They've given us so much—it’s our turn to show up for them. To all who have served: thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, and your dedication. It was an honor to spend the day celebrating you. I’ll carry your stories with me as I continue this work at the Capitol.  A Big Win for Safe Driving! Big news from the House floor this week! I was proud to speak in support of Senate File 1075, a bipartisan bill that brings some much-needed relief for Minnesotans living with permanent medical eye conditions. This commonsense legislation allows individuals with chronic conditions like photophobia—a condition that causes extreme light sensitivity—to receive a long-term window tinting exemption without needing to jump through the same bureaucratic hoops every two years. If a licensed physician determines a condition is permanent, the exemption should be too—and now, we’re one step closer to making that a reality. This bill is about more than convenience—it’s about safety, dignity, and trusting our medical professionals. I’m thrilled to see it pass with strong bipartisan support, and I’m even more excited for the peace of mind it will bring to those who need it. It’s a small change, but it will make a big difference for many Minnesotans. Let’s keep the momentum going! You can watch my full floor address [HERE]. Stay Connected!As 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 |