Dear Neighbor,
House Republicans showed up at the Capitol again this week to work on the issues Minnesotans care about most.
Our colleagues across the aisle have stayed home again this week as they continue to shut down the House and hinder progress on the issues Minnesotans care about most.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. This is the third straight week this recurring theme has unfolded in St. Paul to start the 2025 session.
Meanwhile, House Democrats keep talking about “Brad Tabke” this and “Brad Tabke” that, in reference to their Shakopee member who was declared the winner in an election decided by 14 votes with 20 ballots thrown in the garbage – never to be verified in a recount. They keep using his name as an excuse for not coming to the Capitol to do the job they were elected to do. How about if he and the rest of the House Democrats just come to work? House Republicans never indicated we are not going to seat Tabke; we have focused our our comments on the cheating in District 40B.
Here’s the thing: No matter how many times they say “Brad Tabke,” it should not distract us from the real reason House Democrats are in the minority today: A candidate of theirs was caught cheating in a Roseville/Shoreview district and a judge barred him from taking office.
 The good news is every day House Democrats refuse to set foot in the Capitol, House Republicans are still busy working. We’re making progress on the six priorities we share with Minnesotans, listed to the right. In recent days, we’ve had press conferences to discuss bills we’ve authored to root out fraud, make Minnesota more affordable and improve public safety. I touched on our fraud efforts in last week’s newsletter, but there are recent developments to share today. Here’s the latest on that, and more: Make Minnesota Affordable |
 Minnesota House Republicans have drafted a package of bills to make Minnesota a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. It is our “Make Minnesota Affordable” initiative, focusing on lowering energy costs, reducing the tax burden, and ensuring budget surpluses benefit hardworking Minnesotans. Between historic inflation and our state government’s reckless spending and unnecessary tax increases, Minnesotans have been getting slammed at every turn in recent years. The party in full control of the Capitol the last two years could have delivered game-changing relief but, instead, spent the $18 billion surplus and still raised taxes by $10 billion. The good news is those days are over because House Republicans restored balance in St. Paul and are focusing on providing relief for all Minnesotans. We have started by authoring bills to reduce or repeal taxes and fees, protect taxpayer dollars when future state surpluses occur, and to expand our energy options and save utility costs. These are things Minnesotans care about, and House Republicans are working hard to make happen this year. Bills in the House Republicans’ Make Minnesota Affordable package include: - Modernizing Minnesota’s renewable energy policies by expanding the state’s definition of eligible renewable energy to include hydroelectric capacity. It also delays standards for electric utilities which are unrealistic, protects reliable energy sources, and ends the state’s nuclear moratorium. These reforms will help stabilize energy costs and secure a balanced energy future for Minnesota families and businesses.
- Delivering sweeping tax reforms, repealing the controversial retail delivery fee and ending the tax on Social Security income once and for all. By requiring a comprehensive analysis of tax policies, this bill ensures a fairer system for Minnesota taxpayers. This represents a commitment to economic growth and reducing financial stress for families and seniors alike.
- Ensuring that future state budget surpluses are returned to the people of Minnesota. By proposing a constitutional amendment, this bill codifies the principle that taxpayer money belongs in the hands of those who earned it. The measure guarantees that Minnesota families, not government bureaucracy, benefit from the state’s financial successes.
As much as we love it in Minnesota, taxpayers can take only so much and many people have reached a breaking point with everything costing more these days. The kicker is they just can’t understand how our government can have an $18 billion surplus and still raise taxes by $10 billion. That just doesn’t make sense to families and businesses who have had a tough time making ends meet. That’s why House Republicans want to flip this around with a fresh approach that makes life more affordable in Minnesota. More fraud |
A KSTP report this week revealed some of the top recipients of Child Care Assistance Program funds were cited for dozens of licensing violations while receiving millions in state funds, including one that had their conditional license status lifted in 2024.
The investigation also raised concerns that some of the state's largest CCAP recipients may be fraudulent, with no evidence of children or employees present during repeated visits despite receiving millions of dollars in CCAP funds for children purportedly currently enrolled in the program.
In all, KSTP reports there are 62 investigations underway involving Minnesota child care centers. House Republicans are working on new measures to tighten controls and enhance accountability in our government programs, CCAP included. It’s the least we can do for taxpayers in our state.
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
I'm on the job,
