How Walz is Failing our Kids - Backer Tracker
Dear friends and neighbors,
It's been a busy week here at the Capitol as we have been working on budget frameworks and wrapping up committees.
Walz Education Proposal... the rest of the story.
Governor Walz—who claims to be “Mr. Education”—continues to fail Minnesota students. Since he took office, our reading scores have dropped below Mississippi's, and instead of focusing on academics, he’s prioritized mandates that don’t help kids learn to read or succeed in the classroom. Let’s break down just how damaging his latest education budget proposal really is. Click here to watch the video below.
Budget Framework
Legislators have agreed to cut $4 billion from the current budget, with an additional $1.2 billion reduction planned for 2026-27. These spending cuts are necessary after Democrats, in full control of the Capitol, spent the state’s $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and increased the state budget by $20 billion – a 40-percent hike – in 2023. As a result, Minnesota now faces a $6 billion shortfall.
Health is one area of the budget where different approaches need to be considered during the budget process.
As chair of the health committee Democrats do not seem interested in the health on Minnesotans. They are focused on keeping the status quo, the size of government, and the growth of government. They want to raise taxes and put more fees on the backs on Minnesotans instead of focusing on the health of Minnesotans. We will not allow the Democrats to focus on bureaucracy instead of healthcare for the hardworking Minnesotans.
The Future of Wilkin County Starts Here! Yesterday I had a hearing for HF 1972.
The Infinity Center is more than just a community center—it’s a game-changer for Breckenridge and the entire region. This $26.1 million project will bring:
- A major healthcare facility with Sanford Health
- Classrooms for alternative learning in partnership with local schools
- Pickleball courts, basketball courts, batting cages, and more
- A new childcare center for working families
A $30 million housing development that depends on this project
The community has already raised $18.8 million, but we need $7.3 million more to make this vision a reality before crucial funding expires at the end of 2025.
"People used to move where the jobs were. Today, they move where the amenities are."
Let’s invest in the future of Wilkin County. Let’s make the Infinity Center happen!
Visitors
Thank you to everyone who visited this week!
This week I visited with members of AFSCME from the Fergus Falls area. AFSCME is a union advocating for public service workers.
I spoke to two members of the Minnesota Well Drillers Association about the fee increases proposed by the Walz administration.
This Monday, Rep. Danny Nadeau and I had a discussion with several firefighters about how the state can provide stronger support for fire departments. We met Firefighter John Burrtown and Marshal. Marshal plays a key role in providing mental health and wellness support for the Fire Department, Savage Police Department, City of Savage staff, and residents of Savage.
Paige Carlson from West Central Community Action is advocating for the Minnesota Community Action Partnership and its services and resources.
Thursday Bruce Yaggie and I had a Capital investment bonding hearing for the infinity Center.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. You can contact me by phone at either 701-361-1909 (cell) or 651-296-4929 (desk). I can also be reached via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/repjeffbacker.
Have a good day,
Jeff