Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’re now five weeks into the House Republican majority, and the energy at the Capitol is incredible! This week has been packed with committee hearings, meetings, and the introduction of strong legislation that will make a real difference for Minnesotans. With the special election on March 11 approaching, House Republicans remain focused and optimistic, working hard every day to pass meaningful policies that benefit all Minnesotans. Now, let’s dive into some of the highlights from this week! Minnesota's Budget Forecast The graph above shows our journey from an $18 billion surplus to a concerning $5.995 billion deficit—after raising taxes by $10 billion and increasing government spending by over 40% Minnesota’s latest budget forecast is a wake-up call for all of us. After months of concern, the numbers are clear—out-of-control spending isn’t sustainable, and now Minnesotans could be the ones to foot the bill. The updated projection shows a shrinking surplus and a concerning $5.995 billion deficit looming for the FY 2028-29 biennium, nearly a billion dollars worse than expected. Simply put, the Capitol’s spending spree is catching up with us, and if we don’t change course, taxpayers will be the ones paying the price. Last session, Democrats spent an $18 billion surplus, increased taxes by $10 billion, and grew government spending by over 40%. The deficit needs to be addressed now, before we find ourselves in an even worse position down the road. We must work together, across the aisle, to make necessary spending cuts and resolve the deficit for the future. Minnesotans deserve better. That’s why House Republicans are fighting for more fiscal responsibility. Government should live within its means; Instead of growing government and inflating budgets, we need to focus on permanent tax relief, cutting wasteful spending, and keeping our economy strong for the long haul. Minnesotans deserve leadership that plans for the future, not just spends today and hopes things work out tomorrow. I’ll keep advocating for smart budgeting that puts taxpayers first—without unnecessary government expansion. Fighting for Fairness in Girls' Sports  As a father of three female athletes, this is an issue that is incredibly close to my heart. On Monday, I stood with my Republican colleagues to fight for something that should be simple common sense: keeping girls' sports fair and safe. House File 12, the Preserving Girls' Sports Act, was designed to ensure that only biological females compete in girls' athletics—protecting the opportunities, scholarships, and progress women have worked so hard for over the years. Unfortunately, every single House Democrat voted against the bill, allowing biological males to continue competing against young girls. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Title IX was created to give female athletes a fair shot, and letting biological males compete in girls’ sports undermines that very progress. Before the vote, we heard emotional testimonies from female athletes and parents who have seen firsthand how dangerous and unfair this situation has become. One high school student shared the heartbreaking story of how she broke her wrist while competing against a biological male. That’s not just unfair—it’s a serious safety issue. Earlier that day, we were joined by Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, who has been advocating for this cause nationwide. Riley has worked her entire life to compete at the highest levels, only to find herself tying for first place with a biological male—only to watch as he took home the trophy. While it's incredibly disappointing that this bill didn’t pass, I want to be clear: the fight is far from over. We will continue to stand up for fairness, safety, and common sense. Girls deserve a level playing field, and House Republicans will not stop until they get it.     Protecting Minnesota's Vulnerable: Introducing House File 1401 Click the image above to watch House File 1401's full bill introduction! I’m beyond excited to introduce House File 1401, a bill that I’ve authored with the goal of better protecting some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens. This legislation expands our Endangered Missing Person Alerts to include individuals with cognitive impairments like dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and Alzheimer’s disease. Right now, our alert system is focused on seniors, but we know that people with cognitive impairments are also at risk and need the same level of attention when they go missing. House File 1401 will ensure that individuals who might be disoriented or unable to communicate properly get the immediate help they need, with the full support of the public. In emergency or crisis situations, minutes really matter in order to achieve a safe and positive outcome. That’s why I’m proud to bring this bill forward—not just for law enforcement, but for families who deserve peace of mind when their loved ones are at risk. With the support of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the Sheriffs Association, the Police Chiefs Association, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), we can make sure that no one in our state gets left behind in an emergency. This bill is a step forward in ensuring that every Minnesotan, no matter their condition, can feel safe and secure. I’m looking forward to working alongside my colleagues to get this important legislation passed! Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: Coauthoring House File 124 to Support Public Safety FamiliesI am deeply honored to coauthor House File 124 alongside Representative Kaela Berg (D-Burnsville). This bill holds a lot of significance for our community, especially in light of the tragic events of February 18, 2024, when we lost Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, as well as firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, in a senseless act of violence. It was a heartbreaking day that shook the Burnsville community, as well as the entire publica safety community, and it’s something we’ll never forget. House File 124 proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes to allow local governments to accept certain gifts related to the line-of-duty death of a public safety officer. Specifically, it authorizes local governments to expend funds for the benefit of the family of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty. This legislation ensures that communities can provide meaningful support to the families of fallen heroes, acknowledging their sacrifice and offering tangible assistance during their most challenging times. By supporting House File 124, we are taking a vital step toward honoring the memory of those we've lost and reinforcing our commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities. I am proud to stand with Representative Berg and our colleagues in advocating for this bill, which reflects our shared values and dedication to public safety. Click on the photo below to watch my floor address in remembrance of our three fallen heroes.  Lakeville Business Roundtable Summit: A Collaborative Step Toward Supporting Local Businesses Today, I had the honor of hosting the Lakeville Business Roundtable Summit with my good friend and colleague, Senator Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville). We were joined by over 20 incredible business owners from across our community, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the time, energy, and insight they shared with us. There’s no doubt about it: small businesses are the heart and soul of our community, and having the opportunity to listen to their concerns and ideas is truly one of the best parts of my job. As a legislator, my main goal is to ensure that our local businesses not only survive but thrive. This summit was an important step in that direction. Listening to the stories of the people who make our economy tick, whether it’s about challenges they’re facing, opportunities they see, or ideas they have for improvement, reminds me of why I got into public service in the first place—to make a difference for the people in our district. I want to give a huge thank you to each business owner who took the time to attend. Your voices matter, and I’m committed to taking what I’ve heard from you and fighting for policies at the Capitol that help our businesses grow and succeed. Your hard work and dedication to this community do not go unnoticed, and I’m proud to represent you. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to my colleague, Senator Zach Duckworth, for joining me in this effort. We’re both deeply committed to making sure our business community has the support it needs. It’s great to work together on this, and I’m grateful for his partnership in helping ensure our small businesses have the voice they deserve. And of course, a special thank you to Lakeville Hy-Vee for graciously hosting us in their wonderful conference room. The Hy-Vee team, along with their families, went above and beyond to make this event happen, and I’m so thankful for them. It’s the support from local businesses and their families that makes our community strong. I look forward to continuing this conversation, working together to find solutions, and fighting for policies that will ensure our local businesses can thrive for years to come. Thank you again to everyone who participated—I can’t wait to keep moving forward together!   Looking Ahead!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 |