Dear Neighbor,
Here is the latest from the Capitol as the House, under a 67-67 party split, works to pass a new two-year state budget and finish other important work on time before the May 19 deadline to adjourn.
Budget work
Bipartisan agreement has been reached regarding the overall framework of a new two-year state budget. The plan includes the largest spending reduction in Minnesota history to address a looming shortfall.
The agreement cuts $4 billion from the current budget, with an additional $1.2 billion reduction in 2026-27. These steps are necessary because Democrats in full control of the Capitol spent the $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion and increased the state budget by 40 percent in 2023.
The Democrats’ reckless spending and unnecessary tax increases have left us with a $6 billion projected shortfall we need to resolve. Democrats continue wanting to raise taxes and spend more tax dollars this session, but House Republicans are doing all we can to pull our state back in a more responsible, sustainable direction.
Education funding
With the bipartisan framework in hand, finance committees are now working on plans to fund their respective functions of the state budget, such as education. Democrats caused education in our state to be more expensive and less effective, dealing major blows to non-public education in the process. They approved more than 65 unfunded mandates in 2023 and pushed school districts all around the state into shortfalls despite increasing the state budget by 40 percent.
The governor now proposes cutting education funding – including non-public pupil aid, merit-based teacher pay and special education – penalizing both students and teachers who deserve better.
We need a more balanced approach that focuses on priorities and allows students to succeed in the classroom. That’s what House Republicans are aiming to deliver by focusing on education priorities we share with Minnesotans: local control, funding flexibility and mandate relief.
Cleaning up DFL mistakes
A good hearing took place this week for a bill (H.F. 2792) I authored to address the consequences of an avoidable – and costly – mistake made in the last biennium when Democrats in the former trifecta targeted certain political speech. Many members, including myself, warned the Democrat actions would be deemed unconstitutional, resulting in costly lawsuits and attorney fees being awarded to challengers.
That’s exactly what has happened, and the bill is about to come due for taxpayers. My legislation provides $900,000 to account for that unnecessary financial obligation Democrats caused taxpayers to suffer. It is too bad this had to happen, but Democrats would not listen to well-founded advice and now we all have to pay for it.
Whistleblower website
House Republicans have launched MNFraud.com as part of their efforts to combat misuse of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota’s state programs, which have led to losses in the hundreds of millions. The website provides a confidential platform for whistleblowers to report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse within state government.
A top priority this session is tackling fraud and ensuring accountability in public programs. This site empowers citizens to play a watchdog role, allowing them to report concerns securely. With ongoing scandals in Feeding Our Future, childcare assistance, and welfare programs, stronger safeguards are needed, and this tool is a step toward greater transparency and oversight.
Minnesotans work hard for their money, and the government has a responsibility to manage taxpayer dollars wisely. Public involvement is essential for accountability, and this website provides an important tool to help achieve that. I encourage people to use it if they witness or suspect misuse of public funds.
Until next time, hope you have a good weekend and please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Harry