Legislative Update 03.21.25

Legislative Update

Good morning,

I hope you all stayed safe and warm this week in spite of the close call with another blizzard. There wasn’t a single flake in St. Paul, but the wind gusts made up for the lack of other inclement weather. There was another kind of storm in St. Paul though, with very important legislation being shot down at the will of House Democrats. I come to you today with several bill updates, meeting highlights, and a recap of all that we accomplished with the one-vote GOP majority. Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and as always, reach out if you have any questions or concerns! 

HF4 

On Monday this week, we heard HF4. This bill proposed a constitutional amendment requiring the State of Minnesota to return your tax dollars collected in excess of the authorized budget in the form of one-time tax refund or tax reduction. If this bill passed the legislature, it would appear on the ballot in 2026, giving you, the voter and taxpayer, the ultimate choice of where your excess tax dollars would go. I am very disappointed to share that House Democrats opposed this bill, so they voted against it on the floor, and it failed along party lines. Not only is our state government riddled with fraud, but spending is also out of control and Democrats have no desire to reign it in and return your hard-earned tax dollars when they are collected in excess of the authorized budget. Their decision highlighted their belief that it is now their money to spend as they please. I can assure you that your GOP Caucus members firmly believe that a tax surplus is your money waiting to be returned to you.

HF1976  

We are hearing your concerns about the implementation of the Paid Leave Act, which is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026. We already brought HF11 to the floor and laid it on the table. We did not have the votes to move it off the floor to the Senate, so we want to bring it back to the negotiating table when we are negotiating the FY 2026-2027 budget. HF11 delays the implementation of the Paid Leave Act by one year allowing us more time to evaluate the implementation policies as well as provide our local government officials, local schools, and businesses more time to prepare their employees, receive comprehensive training, and ask important questions to avoid penalties. Again, this bill is on hold, since Democrats would not support it. To approach the challenge differently, Chair Baker introduced HF1976, which modifies the existing Paid Leave Law to help employers implement it better. Although it does not delay implementation, it helps employers of smaller companies implement Paid Leave law better.

We know the Paid Leave bill is frustrating and it interrupts good, positive, and healthy personal relationships within our local businesses, schools, and local government agencies. We feel your frustration as you try to follow the current law and mitigate the negative impacts it creates. I just want to thank you for your supportive emails and personal comments as we focus on creating better legislation surrounding Paid Leave.

Owatonna Police Department

I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with two incredible leaders of the Owatonna Police Department and tour the Owatonna Police Station. This tour was a follow-up on my Public Safety Ride Along last summer and it better prepares me to address our Owatonna Public Safety Building funding request later during the session. I am sincerely grateful for the ongoing relationships that I have with the entire Public Safety team throughout House District 19B and the insight our Public Safety team members provide me continuously.  

Left to Right: Captain Josh Sorenson, Police Chief Jeffrey Mundale, and me. 

MN Farm Bureau 

I had a great meeting with some of our local members of the Minnesota Farm Bureau this week. We discussed some of their priorities, and I am thankful for their visit to the Capitol to share these important concerns with me. 

In addition, feel free to say hello during the North American Farm & Power Show in Owatonna from March 20th - 22nd, 2025. I will be visiting the show and asking plenty of questions.

Left to Right: Mary Jo Schoenfeld, Craig Baxter, Vicky Singlestad, me, Steve Schoenfeld, and Gary Schoenfeld. 

Minnesota Land Improvement Contractors of America 

I met with these gentlemen with the Minnesota Land Improvement Contractors of America. They play an important role in our local land development, especially as our communities grow and expand. It was great to meet them both and have the chance to hear about their priorities in the legislature.  

Left to Right: Mark Morreim, me, Dallas Loken 

Waseca Exchange Club and City Council 

I was able to spend an evening in district this week to attend the ceremony in honor of the one-year anniversary of the Moonan Marsh Fire, as well as the Waseca City Council meeting. I had the opportunity to speak during the awards presentation as we reflected on this devastating event that took place last year in our district. Fortunately, our mutual aid team members came to assist our Waseca Fire Department and Public Safety personnel to help us prevent the loss of life and loss of any homes or personal property structures. This is a testament to the great team we have in House District 19B and beyond.  

Left to Right (Front Row): Me, Council Member Stacy Schroeder, Council Member Gary Conrath, Mayor Randy Zimmerman 

Left to Right (Back Row): Council Member Jeremy Conrath, Council Member James Ebertowski, City Manager Carl Sonnenburg 

GOP Success by the Numbers 

As I shared last week, the House returned to a 67-67 tie on Monday after the member who won the special election was sworn in. This marks another shift in power this session and a great time to recap all that we were able to accomplish under the one-vote GOP majority. Here are the facts: 

• We completed 194 Committee Reports 
• We passed 7 bills 
• We moved 39 bills to the General Register 

These numbers are indicative of a lot of hard work that we completed during the first 6 weeks of session and exceed several previous sessions in comparison to what we were able to accomplish in the same length of time. I am grateful for the opportunity we had to be in the driver’s seat as we hit the ground running focusing on your priorities for the benefit of all Minnesotans. 

Coffee with Tom 

We are looking forward to Coffee with Tom in Medford on March 28th, from 9:00 – 10:00 at the Medford City Hall. This is a location change, but the time remains the same! Next month, Coffee with Tom will be on April 4th at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce from 12:00 – 1:00pm and the Waseca Chamber of Commerce on April 11th, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:00pm. Bring your questions and concerns as we always have great conversations and I learn so much from your perspective!

I want to hear you

I am always here to listens to concerns or ideas of my constituents. I can be reached via email rep.tom.sexton@house.mn.gov or phone 651-296-5368.