Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is now day 22 of this disappointing Democrat no show and the 4th week that Minnesota’s problems go unaddressed in the legislature. The Democrats have charged Minnesota taxpayers roughly $208,362 for absolutely nothing at all. That’s $9,472 a day to avoid their responsibility as public servants. This level of disrespect for the Minnesota taxpayer is unprecedented.
A Running Start for Republicans, But No Action from Democrats
The Minnesota legislative session began in mid-January, just as it always does. With so many important issues to address. Rampant fraud, rising costs, and crime policies that put our communities at risk. House Republicans immediately got to work with legislation aimed at tackling these challenges head-on.
We’ve introduced bills to:
- Repeal harmful taxes like the ones on delivery, social security, and gas.
- Reverse policies that drive up energy costs.
- Make sure Minnesota's tax dollars are used for Minnesotans.
- Improve our children’s education.
- End soft on crime policies that degrade our communities.
We’re also committed to fighting taxpayer-funded fraud, which has plagued our state under Governor Walz’s watch. Scandals like Feeding Our Future, the Child Care Assistance Program, Frontline Worker Pay, and Child Autism Centers could have been prevented. Just recently, 5 Eyewitness News uncovered another fraud case within the Child Care Assistance Program.
Republicans Have Been Sounding the Alarm for Years
For years, Governor Walz and Democrats have ignored Republican pleas for accountability. The Office of the Legislative Auditor has made countless efforts to warn Democrats of potential waste, fraud, and abuse in state government. Even Biden appointed U.S. District Attorney Andy Luger has echoed these statements, saying “Minnesota has a fraud problem” and “no other states have had the kinds of problems we’ve had with government fraud.” If that’s not enough, Walz himself has now decided that 7 years of negligence and unfettered spending may be too much, saying, “Minnesotans rightly have no tolerance for misuse of taxpayer dollars.”
So, why has it been left to continue for so long?
Republican Solutions: Action on Fraud and Accountability
House Republicans are taking action. I’ve introduced a bill that would require state agency staff to report suspected fraud directly to law enforcement and legislative leaders. This bill also mandates unannounced site visits for grant recipients to ensure proper use of taxpayer dollars. State employees who fail to follow these requirements will face criminal penalties.
The Impact of Democrats Inaction: Communities Are Hurting
Minnesota communities are already feeling the effects of the Democrat trifecta from last session, and now, the ongoing Democrat shutdown is making things worse. School districts are laying off essential staff due to over 60 unfunded mandates that need immediate repeal. Small businesses and job creators are also facing severe challenges.
But instead of addressing these crises, the Democrats continue to block any meaningful relief. They are obstructing efforts to lower taxes, fight crime, and stop the misuse of taxpayer money.
The Stakes Are High: Time Is Running Out
House Democrats are disrespecting their constituents and all of Minnesota. Just two years ago, we had a record $18 billion surplus that was frivolously spent, and despite the Democrats $10 billion increase in taxes, we are still faced with a looming $5.1 billion (and rising) deficit. Meanwhile, urgent issues like community safety, government fraud, and our struggling education system remain unchecked.
The clock is ticking. We’re calling on our Democrat colleagues to stop the political games and return to work. Minnesotans shouldn’t be forced to wait.
Working Together
I appreciate your input as we move through the 2025-2026 Legislative Session, so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-0172 or via email at rep.ben.davis@house.mn.gov.
Thanks,
Ben Davis