Dear Neighbor,
Last Sunday, three families received the worst news imaginable when they learned that their loved ones would not be coming home. My prayers continue to be with these families, the Burnsville Fire and Police Departments, and all current and former first responders. I encourage all of you to gather around those impacted by this tragedy and provide them with the support they need during this incredibly difficult time.
This tragic incident is a sad reminder of the real-life dangers that first responders face daily. As leaders, it is on all of us to help build a culture that respects and values the men and women who have sworn an oath to protect us.
2024 Legislative Session Underway
The first 2 weeks of the 2024 legislative session are officially in the books and it is good to be back in St. Paul fighting for our shared values and holding Governor Walz and Democrats accountable for their reckless tax and spend agenda that is driving historic levels of inflation and has plunged Minnesota into a projected budget deficit.
All of us are feeling the impacts of unsustainable government spending and the nearly $10 billion in new taxes that were approved last year by Democrats. The financial hardships felt by many combined with divisive and controversial policy proposals like physician-assisted suicide or ignoring federal immigration law by declaring Minnesota a ‘Sanctuary State’ have left many Minnesotans wondering what has happened to their state.
Balance is badly needed in St. Paul, and I am committed to bringing commonsense back to state government.
School Resource Officers Update
I have been working hard to provide a fix to changes made in state law by Democrats last year that resulted in the removal of School Resource Officers (SROs) from many districts across the state.
During the first two weeks of the legislative session, we have seen Democrats drag their feet on this issue and delay votes that would provide the clarification law enforcement and school districts are looking for. Thankfully, we had some positive movement on Thursday as the House Public Safety Committee advanced the bill, moving it one step closer to final passage.
The safety and security of our schools are incredibly important for students, families, teachers, and staff.
Stay tuned for more on this as it appears likely to be headed to the House Floor in the days ahead.
Photos from the Week
A group of technical college and vo-tech students visited this week to talk about issues facing students.
Family advocates visited this week to discuss issues important to them and their families. Thanks for visiting!
Rep. Jeff Witte and I spoke at the MPPOA conference in Rochester this week.
I attended the candlelit vigil held in Burnsville this week, honoring the three brave men who died in the line of duty on Sunday. May they rest in peace.
Staying in Touch
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on ways to improve state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.gov.
Have a good day,
Paul