Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, The legislative session is moving fast—hard to believe we’re down to just eight weeks before the May 19 adjournment! There’s still plenty of work ahead, and one of the biggest challenges we face is addressing the budget. With a projected $6 billion deficit looming, tough decisions are on the horizon. The previous Democrat trifecta burned through an $18 billion surplus and expanded the state budget by an astonishing 40%. Now, with the House split 67-67, things are bound to get even more interesting in the weeks ahead. As budget negotiations heat up, I’ll keep you informed every step of the way. For now, here’s a quick update on what’s been happening 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. 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! Putting Students First: Addressing Minnesota’s Budget Crisis As Minnesota faces a staggering $6 billion deficit, it’s deeply concerning to see government bureaucracy continue to expand while our schools are being forced to cut teachers due to unfunded mandates. Our kids should always come first—not bigger government. The numbers don’t lie: In just one budget cycle, the previous Democrat trifecta burned through an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and expanded government spending by 40%. Now, schools, counties, and cities are being left to pick up the pieces—likely facing higher property taxes as a result. This is unsustainable. Minnesota families shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of reckless government expansion while our students lose their teachers and mentors. As we move forward in this session, we must prioritize fiscal responsibility, common-sense budgeting, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are going where they are needed most. Minnesotans deserve accountability and smart spending—not more burdens. I’ll continue to fight to put students, teachers, and communities first. You can watch my full address [here]. New Legislation: Advocating for Public Safety, Transportation, and Fairness in PolicyThis week, I am proud to co-author a set of bills that prioritize the well-being of our communities, support our first responders, and ensure fairness in public policy. Here’s a look at what these bills aim to accomplish: Honoring Our Firefighters – House File 2817 - Our firefighters—whether full-time, part-time, paid on-call, or volunteer—deserve to be recognized for their service and sacrifices. HF 2817 ensures that all firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty receive the same service-related death benefits. This bill rectifies a long-standing inequity and ensures that the families of these heroes are honored and supported.
Improving Road Safety for Oversized Loads – House File 2798 - Transportation safety is key to keeping Minnesota’s roads efficient and secure. HF 2798 updates escort vehicle requirements for oversized loads, allowing for flexibility while maintaining safety standards. By empowering the commissioner to make necessary determinations on escort requirements, this bill helps ensure smooth operations for the transportation industry while protecting public safety.
Strengthening Local Control Over Rail Projects – House File 2686 - Major commuter and intercity rail projects have a significant impact on local communities, and those communities deserve a say in the process. HF 2686 requires local government approval before a rail project can move forward. This ensures that local voices are heard, and that projects reflect the needs and priorities of the people who live and work in the affected areas.
Prohibiting Certain Sex Offenders from Accessing Social Media – House File 2648 - Protecting children online is a top priority. HF 2648 prohibits certain sex offenders from accessing social media platforms that allow minors to interact with other users. This bill enhances public safety by restricting access for offenders and requiring them to disclose their social media accounts to parole or probation agents.
Requiring an Annual Attorney General Report – House File 2636 Transparency in government is essential. HF 2636 mandates that the Attorney General submit an annual report detailing legal proceedings where the constitutionality of state statutes has been challenged. This ensures accountability and gives legislators and the public insight into the state’s legal defense efforts and associated costs. I am proud be a co-author on each of these bills, because I belive that it reflects our commitment to fairness, safety, and community-driven policy. I’m honored to stand alongside my colleagues in advancing these measures, and I look forward to working toward their passage for the benefit of all Minnesotans! Stay Connected!As always, I’m here to serve you and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear at the Capitol. If you ever have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about what’s happening in St. Paul, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can call my office at 651-296-6829 or send me an email at rep.jim.joy@house.mn.gov—I’d love to hear from you. Stay connected and follow along for updates on Facebook here! Wishing you a fantastic weekend!  Representative Jim Joy Minnesota House of Representatives, District 4B |