Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, Time is flying here at the Capitol, and we’re now just eight weeks away from our May 19 adjournment deadline. That means the pressure is on to pass a responsible budget and address key issues that matter to Minnesotans. The biggest challenge? A looming $6 billion deficit. After the previous Democrat trifecta spent down an $18 billion surplus and grew government spending by 40%, we’re now left to make the tough decisions to get our state back on track. And with a 67-67 tie in the House, every discussion is even more critical. I’ll keep you posted as budget negotiations move forward, but for now, here’s a quick look at what’s been happening this week at the Capitol! Future Ag Leaders in Action! This week, I had the pleasure of hosting a University of Minnesota student who shadowed me at the Capitol on Wednesday. She’s taking an Agriculture Policy class and majoring in Animal Science—talk about a future powerhouse in the Ag world! We had some great discussions about the policies that shape Minnesota’s agriculture industry, from farm sustainability to livestock care. It’s always exciting to see young leaders diving into policy and developing the skills that will shape the future of our state. With students like her on the rise, Minnesota’s Ag industry has a bright future ahead! Governor Walz’s Budget Proposal: A Crisis of His Own MakingLet’s call this what it is—Democrats created this budget mess, and now they’re scrambling to clean it up at the expense of hardworking Minnesotans. After blowing through a record $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion, and ballooning government spending by 40%, we are now facing a $6 billion deficit—a direct result of reckless fiscal mismanagement. Instead of taking responsibility, Governor Walz is doubling down on the same failed policies that got us here. His budget proposal makes deep and harmful cuts to essential services, including: Nursing homes, which provide critical care for our seniors. Education funding, cutting nonpublic pupil aid and merit-based teacher pay while piling on 65+ unfunded mandates that are already crushing school districts. Medicaid services for people with disabilities, leaving some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans without the support they rely on. As if that weren’t bad enough, Walz is looking to shift over $1.5 billion in costs to local counties, setting the stage for property tax hikes of up to 9% for families and small businesses. Even county leaders—who would be forced to clean up this mess—have raised alarms about how damaging this would be. And yet, while slashing services for seniors, students, and those with disabilities, Walz and Democrats continue to spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on benefits for illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, he’s still pushing for another tax hike through a sales tax increase. Let’s be clear: Minnesota has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. House Republicans won’t stand for balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable. We believe in fiscal responsibility, real priorities, and putting Minnesota taxpayers first. There’s more than enough money to fund what truly matters—we just need leadership that understands that. Cracking Down on Fraud: A Big Step for Minnesota TaxpayersWe’ve seen it time and time again—millions of dollars lost to fraud, wasted on mismanagement instead of helping the people who actually need it. Minnesotans deserve better. That’s why I’m proud to share that Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) has launched MNFraud.com, a secure and confidential website for reporting fraud in state government. This new tool gives state employees, service providers, and everyday Minnesotans a direct way to report suspected fraud in publicly funded programs—without fear of retaliation. The site is completely secure, and all tips will be reviewed by the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee. We’re making it clear: Minnesota tax dollars should go to Minnesotans—not fraudsters. If you suspect waste or abuse in state government, visit www.MNFraud.com and help us hold the system accountable. Let’s work together to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in our government! Stay Connected!As always, I am so grateful for your continued support and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent you. As always, my door is open to you. Please feel free to stop by my office for a meeting or reach out via email at rep.nathan.nelson@house.mn.gov. You can also stay updated and follow my work by visiting my Facebook page here. I’m here to listen and work together for our community's success! Sincerely, Representative Nathan Nelson Minnesota House of Representatives, District 11B |