Legislative Update 3.17

Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are halfway through the legislative session and have much to talk about. In the past two weeks, we witnessed some important anti-fraud legislation being passed, I had multiple hearings to address concerns facing our schools, there was a passionate debate on the House Floor regarding healthcare options for new mothers, and Minnesota’s Department of Management and Budget released its highly anticipated February Forecast.

Diving Into the Budget

Recently, the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released its highly anticipated February Budget Forecast, revealing a concerning financial outlook for the state. The report shows a projected general fund shortfall of $5.995 billion for the 2028-29 biennium - an $852 million increase from earlier estimates. This troubling development follows a series of reckless decisions made under the Democrats' leadership.

Remember, just a few years ago, Minnesota boasted a historic $18.5 billion surplus. Under the leadership of the Democrat trifecta, the entire surplus was spent while raising taxes by an astonishing $10 billion, and increased government spending by a staggering 40%. Now, Minnesota is left with a projected deficit nearing $6 billion because of Democrats' out-of-control spending and misguided priorities.

Minnesota’s revenue is expected to fall significantly short of meeting the growing demands of essential services such as healthcare, human services, and education. Meanwhile, Governor Walz and Democrat lawmakers have continued to expand government at an unsustainable pace, burdening taxpayers and their families with the consequences of their fiscal irresponsibility and pet projects.

This budget underscores how critical it is to adopt policies that allow for flexibility in funding. One such policy is HF 2239, which aims to provide greater flexibility to help school districts address their financial needs. We need to provide flexibility for local budgets to adapt to local needs. Taxpayers should not bear the cost of government waste, overspending, and rampant fraud that has gone unchecked under the Walz Administration’s watch. This level of fiscal mismanagement is unacceptable, and it's clear that change is urgently needed. 

Last Thursday’s Floor Session – A Vote to Support Children and New Mothers

Last Thursday, I was proud to vote yes on two important pieces of legislation, HF 24 and the Supporting Women Act (HF 25), which provide support to new mothers and ensure immediate medical care for infants who survive an attempted abortion. HF 24 establishes protections for babies born alive after an attempted abortion by recognizing them as people and providing life-saving care. The Supporting Women Act (HF 25), creates a grant program to support pregnancy centers and maternity homes, helping pregnant women in crisis access housing, medical care, and essential services, including car seats, education, and housing. It’s deeply disappointing that not a single Democrat supported these common-sense and humane bills that aim to protect life and assist vulnerable women. I don’t understand how anyone could oppose these measures in good conscience.

Addressing the Needs of our Schools

Since the start of the session, I have been working with education professionals to address the pressing issues facing our schools and affecting our children’s education. One of the most common complaints I hear is the burdensome mandates placed on our already struggling schools.

That’s why I authored House File 957 which will allow schools to delay the implementation of mandates and authorize them to transfer unused funds to where they see the need. I firmly believe that education professionals know how best to solve the problems they deal with personally on a day-to-day basis. You can see me speak about HF 957 here.

On Wednesday last week, I presented my bill House File 1435, the Local Control and Innovation bill. This legislation will allow schools to implement new and innovative educational opportunities for students developed at the local level. This acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach to education is not working for our students. You can see me discuss more about this important bill here.

Improving Infrastructure – Jordan Wastewater Improvements

Last Thursday, I was joined by the Mayor of Jordan and the City Administrator to present a critical infrastructure project to the Capital Investments Committee. HF 1536 would provide the City of Jordan with the funding it needs to improve its wastewater treatment center. You can watch Mayor Fremming, Mr. Nikunen, and me present here.

Working Together in St. Paul.

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with me at the Capitol. I truly value these conversations and work hard to keep the human impact of legislation at the forefront of my mind. To do that effectively, I need to hear from you. If you have any concerns or ideas you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or schedule an appointment to meet with me!