Legislative Update 03.21.25

Good morning!

We are wrapping up our first week in the tied House chamber. Business has slowed down, mostly because bills can't make it to the floor without bipartisan support to get out of committees. However, we are still working hard to advance our bills in line with our key priorities. Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter.

Walz off the Rails

Despite Minnesota facing a devastating $6 billion deficit and current budget negotiations looming, Governor Tim Walz has been traipsing through neighboring states such as Iowa, offering town halls to "hear the voices of the people." Interesting how the governor Minnesota needs to cross state lines in order to be willing to listen to "the people." In a recent visit to Wisconsin, Walz told a crowd that he put Tesla stock updates on his iPhone, so that he can see the stock dropping and feel a sense of accomplishment from it. This stems from his disdain of Tesla owner and DOGE mastermind, Elon Musk.

What Walz fails to mention, though, is that Tesla employs more than 120,000 Americans in the U.S. and that our Minnesota state teacher pension plan owns more than $360 million in Tesla stock. While Walz is primarily concerned with the downfall of one of his political enemies, he is actively celebrating the suffering of Tesla-employed Americans and the future financial security of teachers in his home state. Mind you, he was previously a teacher in Minnesota for almost 15 years.

There has also been a major uptick in incidents of vandalism against Tesla owners and dealerships across the country. These attacks are believed to be largely motivated by hatred of Elon Musk and are meant to send a political message to Tesla owners and dealers. People have been caught on camera setting these vehicles on fire, keying them, or otherwise causing damage. Regardless of political affiliation, this behavior is illegal and inappropriate. 

Senator Eichorn

Early this week, (former) Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested and later charged with enticing a minor for sex. This is a serious offense, which myself and my colleagues immediately condemned and called for his resignation. Thursday morning, he announced his resignation from the Senate and the Senate's plan to expel him became obsolete. Elected officials need to be held to a high standard, and even though Senator Mitchell is still in office while facing felony charges and Democrats refuse to expel her, we will not afford Eichorn the same luxury. This is the right thing to do, regardless of party affiliation, and Eichorn needs to be held accountable for his actions. The nature of his crime underlines the fact that the children of Minnesota need and deserve our protection.

HF4

On Monday, HF4 hit the House floor. This bill aimed to amend the Minnesota Constitution to ensure any extra tax revenue collected beyond the approved budget would be sent back to taxpayers through a one-time refund or tax cut. Had it passed the legislature, voters would have had the power in 2026 to decide whether that surplus belonged to them or to the government. Unfortunately, House Democrats shut it down, voting in lockstep to keep those funds under state control. This move is just the latest example of reckless government spending and a refusal to prioritize fiscal responsibility. Instead of putting hard-earned dollars back into the pockets of Minnesotans, Democrats chose to hoard the surplus. However, the GOP Caucus will keep fighting to ensure taxpayers get the fairness they deserve.

Events

It's Fish Fry Friday! Check out Pike and Pint Grill or Travelers Inn Cafe for your fish dinner this weekend.

Shoutouts

Shoutout to the Osakis band for receiving superior ratings across the board and overall in the MSHSL Subsection Band Contest in Long Prairie. Shoutout also to Katie Uhl who earned an "Outstanding Soloist" award for her performance.

Please Contact Me

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or rep.mary.franson@house.mn.gov I would love to hear from you.

It’s an honor to represent the best!