Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It’s been another busy and productive week here at the Capitol! I’m proud to share that the Legacy Omnibus Bill recently passed off the House floor with strong bipartisan support—earning 115 votes. As co-chair of the Legacy Committee alongside Representative Samantha Vang, it was an honor to help lead this important work. The Legacy Amendment, passed by Minnesota voters in 2008, dedicates a portion of our state sales tax to support clean water, parks and trails, outdoor heritage, land preservation, and arts and culture. This year’s bill reflects a responsible approach to honoring that commitment. We ensured that every dollar was allocated to the priorities Minnesotans care about most—like clean lakes and drinking water, accessible parks and trails, and preserving our natural outdoor spaces for future generations. Unlike some previous years, we took extra care to avoid wasteful spending and kept the focus exactly where it belongs: on meaningful, lasting investments in our environment and cultural heritage. The bill now heads to the Senate, and we look forward to moving into conference committee once their version passes. With just a few weeks left in the 2025 legislative session, we’re working hard to pass a responsible budget. I’ll continue to keep you updated as we wrap up the final stretch! Standing Up for Nonpublic Students On Wednesday, we stood alongside students, parents, teachers, and faith leaders at the Capitol to defend nonpublic pupil aid. Governor Walz’s proposal to cut funding for nonpublic schools is deeply concerning—and let us be clear: in the Minnesota House Republican Caucus, this proposal is dead on arrival. This bill is a nonstarter—not just for us in the House, but for our Republican colleagues in the Senate as well. Cutting support for nonpublic education is not only irresponsible, it’s an insult to the families who rely on these schools. It goes against the very idea of “One Minnesota” that the Governor campaigned on from day one. We are committed to standing firm and protecting educational opportunities for all Minnesota students, regardless of where they go to school. You can view House Republican Leader Niska’s remarks [HERE]. Happy National Small Business Week, Minnesota! Small businesses are truly the backbone of our state. As a small business owner myself for the past 36 years, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with running a business—especially in a small town where many of my family members and friends are also business owners. What our small businesses need most is for government to get out of the way: reduce regulations, ease the tax burden, and let them do what they do best—create jobs, support families, and drive our local economies forward. Let’s keep working to ensure Minnesota remains a place where small businesses can thrive. Fraud, Mistrust, and the Need for AccountabilityLast week, the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee uncovered deeply troubling evidence about Attorney General Keith Ellison’s involvement in the Feeding Our Future Scandal—the largest fraud case in Minnesota’s history. Newly released audio recordings reveal that Ellison was not only aware of concerns surrounding certain organizations under investigation, but actively sympathized with them. Some of these very organizations were later indicted for stealing millions in taxpayer dollars. Even more concerning, Ellison offered to apply pressure to state agencies on their behalf—agencies he is supposed to represent as Minnesota’s top legal authority. Despite claims from his office that it "jumpstarted" the investigation in 2022, Ellison previously testified that he had no knowledge of the scandal during a 2021 meeting with individuals connected to the scheme. But the audio tells a different story—and Minnesotans deserve answers. This isn’t about politics. It’s about integrity. Public officials have a duty to act with transparency and uphold the law—not bend it to serve certain interests. When that duty is compromised, it erodes the trust our communities place in government. I will continue to support every effort to uncover the full truth and ensure those in power are held accountable. The people of Minnesota deserve leadership they can trust and a system that works for them—not against them. You can view a clip from last Monday's Fraud Committee [HERE]. Fighting Back Against Cost Shifts to Our CountiesBack in February, several county commissioners from across the state stood with House and Senate Republicans to sound the alarm on Governor Walz’s plan to push $460 million in costs onto local governments through the Department of Human Services budget. I want to echo their concerns loud and clear: this is a bad deal for Greater Minnesota. Let’s call it what it is — a cost shift, plain and simple. Instead of tightening the state’s own belt, the governor is handing the bill to counties. That puts local leaders in a tough spot: either slash essential services or raise property taxes on hardworking families. Neither option is fair, and neither is sustainable. Counties across Minnesota are staring down multi-million-dollar budget hits under this proposal. Some are facing potential levy increases as high as 9% just to make up the difference. At a time when family budgets are already stretched thin, the last thing Minnesotans need is a property tax hike driven by bad budgeting decisions at the state level. Minnesotans deserve better. Fiscal responsibility shouldn’t mean passing the buck — it should mean responsible planning and honest leadership. I’ll keep fighting to stop these reckless cost shifts and make sure our local governments aren’t left holding the bag. Let’s stand up for our counties and protect the communities we call home. Happy Mother’s Day! As we head into Mother’s Day weekend, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible mothers across Minnesota. Without our moms, we’d be lost—plain and simple. Their strength, love, and unwavering support are the foundation of our families and communities. Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you for everything you do! Looking Ahead!As always, I am deeply thankful for your unwavering support—it truly means the world to me. It’s an honor to represent you, and I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work for all of us. Together, let’s keep building a Minnesota where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you again for entrusting me with this responsibility. Let’s make great things happen! Warmest regards, Rep. Joe McDonald Minnesota House of Representatives, District 29A |