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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This first week of the 2025-26 Legislative Session has been unique in the history of our state. I am honored to represent our wonderful district and was very blessed to have my amazing husband and my parents join me at the swearing-in ceremony!
Unfortunately, as I mentioned in my last newsletter, House Democrats chose to have a secret swearing-in ceremony last Sunday at the Minnesota History Center, instead of at the statutory date/time at the constitutionally-mandated “seat of government.” It was honestly a bittersweet day. While I was thrilled to have my family there and meet the families and friends of my Republican colleagues, it was sad to have half of the Chamber empty, have no response to 66 names that were read, and not have the usual bipartisan goodwill that generally marks the start of each session.
I hope my friends on the other side of the aisle will soon return to the Capitol so we can all work for the good of the state!
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Executive Summary
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Democrats Boycott the First Week of Session.
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Committee Assignments
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District Shout-out
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Photos
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Democrats Boycott First Week of Session
The 2025 legislative session began with unprecedented challenges and opportunities. As Republicans arrived at the Capitol ready to work, House Democrats followed through on their threats to boycott the first day, refusing to attend and delaying important legislative business. This absence, aimed at denying a quorum, was a disservice to Minnesotans who expect their representatives to show up and do the job they were elected to do.
It also shows continued disrespect to taxpayers, who are paying the salaries of Democrats even though they are choosing not to come and fulfill their duty.
Despite these challenges, House Republicans took decisive action to ensure the work of the people was not delayed. All 67 Republican members were sworn in, and, in a historic moment, we elected Representative Lisa Demuth as Speaker of the House. She is the first Republican woman to serve as Speaker in Minnesota’s history, as well as the first person of color to serve in that role. I am confident her leadership will bring a steady hand and a collaborative approach to addressing the issues facing our state.
Once the House was duly organized, Republicans got to work on behalf of all Minnesotans. We immediately began advancing our six key policy pillars for the session, which focus on tackling fraud, reducing costs, improving public safety, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
While it was disappointing to have half of the Chamber empty every day, I remain hopeful that we can work together in the weeks ahead to find common ground and deliver results for our communities.
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Committee Assignments: Tackling Key Issues
I am pleased to share my committee assignments for the 2025 session. I will serve on the following committees:
- Higher Education Finance and Policy
- Taxes
- Ways and Means (Vice Chair)
In addition, I have been appointed to Chair the new Fraud and Oversight Committee. This committee was established to address the alarming levels of fraud and mismanagement in state government programs. The Fraud and Oversight Committee’s mission includes:
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Strengthening Accountability: Reviewing state agencies to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively and as intended.
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Preventing Fraud: Implementing measures to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs.
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Improving Transparency: Increasing Legislative oversight of the executive agencies to rebuild public trust in state government.
This committee was created in response to numerous high-profile cases of fraud that have been discovered over the last few years, including the the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal, which was the single largest incident of Covid-related fraud in the entire country. The current estimate of total fraud of which we are aware, is nearly $1 billion. As Chair, I am committed to ensuring state government operates efficiently, that taxpayers' hard-earned money is not abused, and that the people who need state services actually receive them.
Many House Committees started meeting this week and it was disappointing that no Democrat members were in attendance. We had an important overview of committee jurisdiction and budgets by non-partisan staff in my Higher Education Committee, and the Workforce Committee took testimony on the impact of new regulations. Next week, several committees will begin hearing bills that have been introduced. I hope this important committee work will soon be bipartisan!
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District Shout-out: Maple Grove Fire Department
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This week, I want to give a special shout-out to the Maple Grove Fire Department as they celebrate their 50th anniversary! For half a century, these brave men and women have served our community with courage and dedication, protecting lives and property with the highest level of professionalism.
Thank you, Maple Grove Fire Department, for your incredible service to our community. Here’s to many more years of keeping our residents safe!
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Photos
 Rep. Robbins with the I-94 Chamber at the annual Minnesota Chamber Dinner earlier this week.
 Photo of Rep. Robbins at her desk this week.
 Rep. Robbins joined on the Speaker’s Rostrum by her husband (right) for a ceremonial swearing-in photo.
Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance.
The best way to reach me is by email: rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn.gov. For occasional updates, you can follow my Facebook page at @RepKristinRobbins. You can also leave a voicemail on my office number, 651-296-7806, which is checked every weekday while we are in session.
Of course, if you are coming to the Capitol, I’d love to meet you! Please reach out if you would like to set up an in-person meeting.
Have a great weekend!
Kristin
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239 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.7806 |
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