Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We are now three weeks into the Republican majority, and things are moving full speed ahead at the Capitol! The energy is high, the work is nonstop, and we’re making real progress on key priorities that matter to you. From committee hearings to conversations with colleagues and community leaders, every day has been packed with opportunities to push forward policies that support hardworking Minnesotans. I’m excited to share some important updates, highlights, and insights from the Capitol—let’s dive in! Supporting HF 1277: Growing Minnesota’s Economy Through Tech InvestmentI’m proud to co-author House File 1277, a bill designed to bring more large-scale data centers to Minnesota—a move that will boost our economy, create jobs, and position our state as a leader in the tech industry. This bill creates a sales tax exemption for the construction and equipment purchases of qualifying data centers. To meet the criteria, a facility must invest at least $250 million in construction, IT equipment, and software within a five-year period beginning after June 30, 2025. Unlike previous tax policies, this exemption would apply at the time of purchase rather than as a refund, making Minnesota a more attractive place for tech infrastructure investment. As Senator Hauschild pointed out in his testimony, this isn’t just about tax policy—it’s about creating new wealth and attracting businesses that otherwise wouldn’t come to our state. When we entice major tech companies to build here, we’re not just adding data centers—we’re generating construction jobs, tech opportunities, and long-term economic growth that benefits all Minnesotans. I’m excited to support common-sense economic policies like HF 1277 that make Minnesota competitive, drive innovation, and create new opportunities. Let’s keep working to make our state a place where businesses want to invest and grow! Standing Up for Minnesotans’ Right to Self-DefenseOne of the most important responsibilities we have as legislators is ensuring that Minnesotans have the right to protect themselves and their families. That’s why I fully support Representative Matt Bliss' (R-Pennington) House File 13, a bill that strengthens our state’s self-defense laws and brings much-needed clarity to recent legal confusion. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a ruling that significantly restricted a person’s ability to defend themselves without fear of prosecution. This decision forces law-abiding citizens to consider whether they can safely retreat before acting in self-defense—a split-second decision that could mean life or death. That’s not right. When someone is in immediate danger, they shouldn’t have to hesitate or worry about being unfairly prosecuted for protecting themselves or their loved ones. HF 13 corrects this by ensuring that Minnesotans who act in genuine self-defense aren’t subjected to unreasonable legal scrutiny. Even Justice Paul Thissen, a former DFL Speaker, dissented against the court’s ruling—pointing out the very issues that this bill seeks to fix. Our laws should support law-abiding citizens, not put them in legal jeopardy for doing what any of us would do in a dangerous situation. I stand with my colleague in supporting HF 13, and I hope to see strong bipartisan backing for this common-sense legislation. Let’s get this done for Minnesota! A Night to Remember at Gala4Goals!   What a night! I had an absolute blast at the Sanneh Foundation’s Gala4Goals—an event packed with energy, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. One of the best parts? Getting to hear my great friend Zach Duckworth take the stage and deliver an incredible speech. If there’s one thing Zach knows how to do, it’s fire up a crowd—and he did just that, reminding us all why community and opportunity matter so much. Beyond the fun, this event was about something bigger: supporting the Sanneh Foundation’s incredible work—providing mentorship, education, and resources to kids who need it most. Every dollar raised is making a real difference in the lives of young people across Minnesota. Huge thanks to the Sanneh Foundation for putting together such an unforgettable night, and to everyone who showed up, donated, and made it all possible. Can’t wait to do it again next year! Protecting the Safety and Dignity of Female InmatesEnsuring the safety and dignity of all Minnesotans is a responsibility I take seriously, which is why I fully support Representative Mary Franson's (R-Alexandria) House File 435. This legislation mandates that only biological female inmates be housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, our state's sole women's prison. Recent policies have permitted male inmates identifying as female to transfer to this facility, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the women incarcerated there. Currently, three transgender women are housed in Shakopee, with others under evaluation for transfer. The introduction of biological male individuals into a female correctional environment has led to increased risks of assault and abuse, as highlighted by various reports. It's important that we address these concerns to protect the vulnerable population within our correctional system. HF 435 aims to rectify this situation by ensuring that only biological females are housed in the Shakopee facility, thereby protecting the rights and safety of female inmates. This bill has been heard in the Public Safety Committee, where lengthy discussions highlighted its importance. This is a commonsense measure to protect vulnerable women in our correctional system. I will continue working alongside my colleagues to push for policies that prioritize safety and fairness in Minnesota’s prisons. You can read more about Rep. Franson's bill here. Standing Up for Fairness in Women’s Sports I couldn’t be more excited to stand alongside Representative Peggy Scott (R-Andover) as she leads the charge on House File 12—because protecting fairness in women’s sports isn’t just good policy, it’s common sense. As a father of three female athletes, this issue is deeply personal to me. Our daughters deserve to compete on a level playing field, and I’m proud to support legislation that ensures their opportunities aren’t taken away. What makes this moment even more incredible? National advocates like Riley Gaines are stepping up and making their voices heard. Riley’s dedication to defending women’s sports is inspiring, and having her at the Capitol this Monday is a huge win for Minnesota. It’s not every day that we get to rally with a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer who knows firsthand what’s at stake. This is more than just a bill—it’s about standing up for truth, fairness, and the future of female athletics. I’m grateful to be part of this fight, and I encourage everyone who cares about protecting opportunities for women and girls to get involved. Let’s show up, speak out, and make sure our daughters’ sports remain their own. Great Conversation with MNCPA Members I had a fantastic visit with members of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA) this week—made even better by the fact that both of them are fellow Lakeville residents! It’s always great to connect with professionals who not only keep our economy running but also call our community home. We had some really great discussions about the challenges CPAs are facing, from tax policy changes to workforce shortages, and how we can work together to create a stronger financial future for Minnesotans. A big thank you to the MNCPA members for stopping by—I always welcome the chance to hear directly from those making a difference in our local communities! Staff Spotlight: Sam Moyer This week, I want to take a moment to highlight my awesome Committee Administrator, Sam Moyer—the guy who keeps everything running smoothly while somehow still managing to be the most laid-back person in the room. Sam is a veteran of the Minnesota House with ten years of experience under his belt. If there’s a rule, process, or loophole, chances are Sam knows it like the back of his hand. He’s the guy who makes sure everything in committee stays on track—and let’s be honest, that’s no small task! When he’s not at the Capitol, Sam is all about the outdoors. If he’s not on the golf course, sinking putts and making his friends question their life choices, you’ll probably find him back on his family’s Zumbro Falls farm, gearing up for deer and turkey season like the dedicated sportsman he is. But let’s be real—the true VIP in Sam’s life is Sissy, his three-year-old beagle. She’s his most loyal sidekick, his hunting scout in training, and, let’s face it, probably the one who actually runs the show at home. Sam, thanks for all you do for District 57B! The office (and the state of Minnesota) wouldn’t be the same without you. Stay Connected!Your thoughts, questions, and ideas are what keep me going! If there's something on your mind—whether it's about these bills or something else—please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can always reach me by phone or email at rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov. It’s a true honor to represent you at the Capitol. Together, let’s keep making Minnesota a better place—one idea at a time! Take care, Representative Jeff Witte Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |