Dear Neighbor,
Greetings from St. Paul, where it’s been a busy week with important issues making news. Here’s a look at the latest:
Economic forecast
State officials issued an updated economic forecast Thursday. Key points include:
- $456 million balance for 2026-27, down $160 million from previous estimates.
- $6 billion shortfall for the 2028-29 biennium, $852 million worse than previous estimates and nearly a state-record deficit.
- State spending growth outpaces revenue growth through projections for fiscal year 2029.
This forecast follows a biennium where one party in control of the Capitol spent the state’s $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion and increased the state budget by 40 percent with the budget set in 2023.
House Republicans warned that the out-of-control spending increases and tax hikes passed by the Democrat trifecta would wreak havoc on our state budget. While revenue continues to grow, spending is growing even faster. We cannot – and will not – raise taxes to fill this gap, especially after Democrats raised taxes on Minnesota families by more than $10 billion over the last two years.
The information from this forecast will be used as we work to construct a new two-year state budget before the deadline to adjourn in late May.
President Trump’s speech
It was an honor to be invited by Congressman Tom Emmer to attend this week’s joint session where President Donald Trump addressed the nation. It was good to hear directly from President Trump as he shared his work and vision for our country.
Capitol visitors
The steady stream of St. Paul visitors continues this session. Future Farmers of America students (above) recently came to the Capitol for their annual Day on the Hill and I once again thoroughly enjoyed meeting with students who participate in this wonderful program. These students have bright futures, and I wish them all the best in the future … out ag industry is in good hands with them! I also want to thank Shane Wilhelm of Richmond (below), a turkey producer, for taking time to connect with me and share his insights.
Preserving Girls Sports Act
House Republicans on Monday brought forward the Preserving Girls Sport Act (H.F. 12), which supports safe and fair competition for girls in athletics.
 By voting it down, House Democrats undermined safety and fairness for female athletes –especially young girls – while also standing in direct oppositions with the vast majority of citizens who support this bill. Polls indicate around 80 percent of people agree with the bill’s position. The bottom line is girls deserve an opportunity to participate in safe and fair athletic competitions and that’s what this bill is all about. Parents across Minnesota want their daughters to compete in a safe and fair environment. This bill upholds family values rather than catering to extreme activist agendas. The floor vote came just hours after a Preserving Girls Sports Act rally took place at the Capitol. Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer and girls sports advocate, spoke the event. I want to personally thank all those who attended to show their support for female athletes, young girls in particular. While it is disappointing the bill was blocked on the House floor, the good news is House Republicans tabled the legislation to save it from defeat so we can take it up for discussion again this session. Bill to support self defense House Republicans on Thursday brought to the floor a bill (HF 13) that strengthens Minnesotans’ right to defend themselves and their families from harm. This legislation ensures that when law-abiding citizens act in self-defense, they aren’t forced to consider whether or not they can safely retreat, and they aren’t unfairly prosecuted for protecting their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Once again, House Democrats blocked the bill from passing but House Republicans tabled it so we have a chance to pick it up another day. Watch for more from the House soon. For now, have a good weekend and please stay in touch. Your correspondence always is welcome. Sincerely, Lisa |