Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, It’s hard to believe how quickly this session is flying by—only eight weeks remain before our May 19 adjournment deadline! There’s still a lot of work ahead, and one of our biggest challenges remains—tackling the state budget. With a projected $6 billion deficit, we have some tough choices to make. The previous Democrat trifecta spent down a historic $18 billion surplus and expanded the state budget by a staggering 40%. Now, with a 67-67 tie in the House, the road ahead is sure to be interesting. As budget negotiations ramp up, I’ll keep you updated on the latest developments. In the meantime, here’s a look at what has been going on at the Capitol this week! 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. House Passes HF 1255 to Honor Law Enforcement Officers! I’m excited to share that on Thursday, House File 1255 passed on the House floor with strong bipartisan support! This bill allows state troopers, commercial vehicle inspectors, and Capitol security officers to purchase their surplus badges, giving them the opportunity to keep a piece of their service and sacrifice. For those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities, the badge isn’t just metal—it represents years of dedication, courage, and commitment to keeping Minnesotans safe. Allowing these men and women to hold onto their badge after retirement or reassignment is a simple but meaningful way to honor their service. This is a big win for our law enforcement officers, and I’m proud to have carried this bill forward. Thank you to everyone who supported it—this is a small but important step in showing our appreciation for those who wear the badge! You can view my full floor speech [here]. 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! Connecting with the Otsego City Council! Monday night, I had the pleasure of giving a legislative update to the Otsego City Council. It was great to discuss the work we’re doing at the Capitol and hear directly from local leaders about the issues that matter most to our community. From infrastructure needs to public safety and tax relief, we covered a lot of ground! Local government plays a crucial role in keeping our communities strong, and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and ensure Otsego has a strong voice in St. Paul. A big thank you to the council for having me—I look forward to continuing to work together! 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 |