Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
As this week comes to a close, I want to take a moment to share a few important updates from this past week and outline my priorities as we move forward.
BREAKING: Democrats Nominate a Candidate Who Actually Lives in His District
On Tuesday, the result of the Special Election in District 40B was released, with Democrat David Gottfried securing a seat in the legislature. With his addition, the House is now tied 67-67.
Despite the election outcome, Republicans will maintain a strong position in the House. Representative Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) will continue serving as House Speaker for the entire biennium. Committee chairs will alternate between parties, except for the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee. Representative Kristin Robbins will remain the sole chair of this committee, and House Republicans will hold a 5-3 majority on that panel.
I will urge our Speaker that, for any legislation to make it to the House floor, it must align with core legislative principles: fiscal responsibility (no more massive spending bills), practicality (no more one-size-fits-all regulations), and personal liberty (no more bills that prioritize state power over individual rights).
Republican Priorities – Addressing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
Minnesotans are frustrated by excessive spending, businesses are burdened with overregulation, and families are struggling under constant tax increases. Adding to the problem, hundreds of millions of dollars in fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds have contributed to the squandering of an $18 billion surplus and a looming $6 billion deficit.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that we pass strong legislation to address the financial crisis fueled by Democrat policies. House Republicans are up to the task.
On Monday, House Republicans introduced two important bills to combat fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds. HF 23, a bill to expand whistleblower protections for government employees who expose fraud, was passed, while House File 3, which would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) to submit progress reports on their efforts to implement legislative recommendations to combat fraud, continues to be delayed by Democrats. These reports are vital to ensuring that the recommendations we provide are actually followed through. The bill I authored to combat fraud, HF 2 (Mandatory Fraud Reporting), is currently moving through committee, and we are making good progress.
Supporting Mothers – Valuing Life
On Thursday, two bills aimed at preserving life and supporting pregnant mothers were debated on the House floor. These bills are simple but carry special significance for me.
The first, HF 24, would ensure that any infant born alive as a result of an abortion is fully recognized as a person and granted immediate legal protection. It mandates that medical personnel take all reasonable measures to care for and preserve the life and health of the infant. Unfortunately, despite strong Republican support, not a single Democrat backed the bill, and it did not pass.
The second, HF 25, known as the "Supporting Women Act," establishes a grant program for nonprofit pregnancy support centers to provide essential services and support for pregnant women and new mothers. Like the previous bill, this one also received no Democrat support and failed to pass. Common sense and decency are not prevailing on that side of the aisle.
Let's Stay in Touch
This past week, Democrats publicly declared that over-taxation is not a problem in their districts.
I would like to hear from you. Do you believe hardworking Minnesotans are being over-taxed? Please email me at (Rep.ben.davis@house.mn.gov) and share your thoughts.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support,
Ben Davis
District 6A