Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, What a week it’s been at the Capitol! From rolling out key legislation to working across the aisle on real solutions, there’s never a dull moment. I’ve had the chance to connect with some incredible folks, tackle important issues, and keep pushing for policies that actually make life better for Minnesotans. We’re also diving into the long and difficult process of finalizing bills. Because of the power-sharing agreement, every single piece of legislation that passes the House floor has to be agreed upon by both Republicans and Democrats. On top of that, the DFL didn’t show up for the first month of the session, which means we’re playing catch-up. Now, with our first budget deadline quickly approaching, the pressure is on. This is my first session as a co-chair, and let me tell you—there have been some tough conversations and negotiations. But at the end of the day, we’re here to find real solutions that work for you, the people of Minnesota. Session is in full swing, and there’s plenty more ahead. Stay tuned—I’ll keep you posted! Keeping Public Safety Funding AccountableI’m excited to share that I’ve just introduced House File 2532, a bill that ensures our public safety dollars are working as effectively as possible. Right now, we have funds sitting in the Community Crime and Violence Prevention Account, but instead of letting them collect dust in bureaucracy, this bill would transfer the remaining funds back to the general fund—where they can be put to better use for Minnesotans. Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of government, and that means making sure our resources are being used wisely. This bill is a step toward making our funding more transparent and accountable, ensuring that every dollar is making a real impact in keeping our communities safe. Giving Minnesotans Their Money Back: The Fight for HF 4 When the state collects more than it needs, where should that extra money go—back to the taxpayers who earned it or toward growing government? That’s exactly what House File 4 aimed to address, and the answer should be simple. HF 4 would have allowed Minnesotans to vote on a constitutional amendment in 2026, ensuring that future budget surpluses are automatically returned to taxpayers instead of being absorbed into more government spending. If this policy had been in place during the $18 billion surplus, Minnesotans would have seen $5 billion in direct relief. Instead, Democrats spent every penny, raised taxes by another $10 billion, and now have left the state with a $6 billion deficit. That’s not responsible budgeting—that’s reckless. Unfortunately, House Democrats voted against this bill, rejecting the chance to give future surpluses back to the people who actually paid them. Instead of delivering real tax relief, they chose to keep Minnesotans’ hard-earned money in the hands of government. This isn’t about politics—it’s about common sense. Families, farmers, and small businesses across Minnesota are struggling with rising costs, and the last thing they need is more government waste. HF 4 would have made sure that when the state takes in more than it needs, that money goes back to you, the taxpayer. Minnesota deserves fiscal responsibility and real tax relief. House Republicans will keep fighting to make sure your voice is heard—and your money stays where it belongs: in your pocket. Future Innovators Take on the Capitol! One of the best parts of this job? Meeting the next generation of problem-solvers! This week, I had the chance to visit with an incredible robotics team at the Capitol. These students aren’t just building robots—they’re building the future with their creativity, teamwork, and impressive technical skills. Hearing their passion for STEM and innovation was truly inspiring. It’s a great reminder of why investing in hands-on learning opportunities is so important. Who knows? The next great inventor or engineer might have been right in that group! Keep up the amazing work! Stay Connected!As always, your thoughts and concerns are at the heart of the work I do here at the Capitol. Whether you have questions about the legislation I’m working on or want to share what’s on your mind, my door is always open—I’m here to listen and serve. You can reach my office by phone or email, and for real-time updates on the latest from the Capitol, be sure to follow my Facebook page here. It’s a privilege to represent District 30B, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight for our shared values. Together, we’ll continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Minnesota. Sincerely, Representative Paul Novotny Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B |