Legislative Update from Rep. Jeff Witte

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Legislative Update

Hello, Friends and Neighbors!

I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the almost spring weather—Minnesota sure likes to keep us on our toes! Things have been moving fast at the Capitol, and let’s just say, there’s never a dull moment. Between heated debates, important bills moving forward, and the occasional shamrock shake break (thanks to some generous folks on Hospitality Day!), there’s plenty to update you on.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s been happening under the dome!

A New Dynamic in the Minnesota House

Well, things just got a little more interesting at the Minnesota House. With the Roseville special election now settled, we’re officially looking at a 67-67 tie. While that doesn’t drastically change the vote math (we still need at least one Democrat to pass a bill), it does have some major implications for how things operate—especially in committees.

Here’s what’s different:

• Most committees are now evenly split between Republicans and Democrats—except for the Fraud and Oversight Committee.
• Committee chairs will switch back and forth every other day, meaning which party runs the show will change regularly.
• Nothing moves forward without bipartisan cooperation—if a bill doesn’t have support from both sides, it won’t make it out of committee.

What does this mean for us? Well, it forces both sides to work together—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—but it also means we’re in for some more intense committee debates and tougher budget talks.

At the end of the day, my priorities haven’t changed. I’m here to fight for fiscal responsibility, smarter spending, and infrastructure investments that make sense for Minnesotans. We’ve seen what happens when the budget gets out of control, and we can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes.

The last point about state spending outpacing state revenue comes as no surprise. That is because the Democrat Trifecta spent the state’s $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and increased the state budget by 40 percent with the budget they enacted in 2023. It should also be noted that the total amount of spending from all funds is $128 billion. When is enough, enough? We can do better.

It’s time to roll up our sleeves, work together, and make some real budget cuts. We need to prioritize real needs, rein in reckless spending, and ensure our state is on solid financial ground for the future. No more kicking the can down the road—Minnesotans deserve better.

Maple Grove Advances to the Championship!

What a game! Congratulations to Maple Grove on their impressive State Semifinal victory over Lakeville North! This win marks a historic moment as Maple Grove secures its first-ever trip to the Class 4A State Championship. A special shoutout to Rep. Kristin Robbins' hometown team for their outstanding performance!

Though the game didn’t go our way, I couldn’t be prouder of Lakeville North and their incredible season. They played with heart, determination, and true sportsmanship—qualities that make our community so proud.

Best of luck to Maple Grove as they compete for the title—go make history!

Proud to Stand with the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce & Tourism to the Capitol! Hearing directly from our local business leaders about their successes, challenges, and hopes for the future is always inspiring. Their dedication to growing our economy, creating jobs, and making Lakeville a vibrant place to live and visit is truly commendable.

Our community thrives because of the hardworking small business owners, entrepreneurs, and tourism advocates who pour their hearts into what they do. I’m committed to supporting policies that help them succeed, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.

Thank you to the Chamber for your leadership and passion—you make Lakeville stronger every day!

Strengthening Lakeville’s Infrastructure with Rep. Koznick

I’m proud to co-author House File 50, a key bonding bill with Rep. Jon Koznick to bring much-needed improvements to Lakeville’s roadways. This bill secures funding for a bridge and interchange project on I-35 at Dakota County State-Aid Highway 50 (CSAH 50)—a crucial step toward reducing congestion, improving safety, and preparing for future growth.

These upgrades will ensure smoother commutes, better traffic flow, and a stronger infrastructure for both residents and businesses. Investing in our transportation system is an investment in Lakeville’s future, and I’m excited to work with Rep. Koznick to push this project forward!

Job Shadow Spotlight: Ayva Tobias

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting Ayva Tobias, a Lakeville North high school student, for a job shadowing experience! Ayva is passionate about politics and hopes to study Political Science in college, and let me tell you—she’s got a bright future ahead!

It was inspiring to see her enthusiasm for the legislative process, ask insightful questions, and dive into what goes on behind the scenes in government. If this experience is any indication, Ayva is well on her way to making a real impact in the world of politics.

Thank you, Ayva, for spending the day with me! I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!

Strengthening Support for Those with Alzheimer’s

This week, I had the privilege of meeting with Megan Riley from the Alzheimer’s Association, and our conversation reinforced just how critical it is to support those affected by cognitive impairments. Megan and her team work tirelessly to provide resources, raise awareness, and advocate for policies that protect individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

That’s why I’m especially proud of House File 1401, the bill I introduced to expand the Endangered Missing Person Alert system to include individuals with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. Too often, vulnerable individuals go missing, and their conditions make it difficult for them to seek help or return home safely. This bill will ensure they receive the immediate attention and support needed to bring them home as quickly as possible.

Meeting with Megan was a great reminder of the real-world impact this legislation can have. I appreciate the work she and the Alzheimer’s Association do every day, and I look forward to partnering with them to get this bill across the finish line.

Bringing the World to Minnesota: Supporting the World Junior Hockey Championships!

I had the absolute pleasure of enjoying dinner with Lou Nanne, a true Minnesota hockey legend! His passion for the sport and our state is unmatched, and it was incredible to talk about Minnesota’s rich hockey history and its bright future.

I’m also excited to announce that I’m co-authoring House File 1007 with Rep. Matt Norris to support the World Junior Hockey Championships, which will be hosted right here in Minnesota this year! This premier tournament is expected to inject $100 million into Minnesota’s economy through tourism while shining a global spotlight on our incredible state.

Minnesota is the State of Hockey, and this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the sport we love while driving economic growth. I can’t wait to welcome teams and fans from around the world for an unforgettable tournament!

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

/RepJeffWitte

2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4240