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January 24, 2025
Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session is in full swing, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you at the State Capitol. As we tackle the challenges facing Minnesota, I remain committed to bipartisan cooperation and advancing policies that reflect the needs of our district and the state as a whole.
I’d like to share some updates on the important work happening this session and highlight how we’re working to address key issues like government accountability, affordability, and public safety.
Working to Stop Fraud and Make Life Affordable
House Republicans have introduced several bills this session to address government waste and the rising costs that Minnesotans are facing. These proposals are focused on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and providing meaningful relief for families and seniors.
Stopping Fraud:
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HF 1: Establishes an independent Office of the Inspector General to oversee fraud prevention across state programs, consolidating agency efforts and creating a centralized fraud reporting hotline.
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HF 2: Strengthens fraud detection by mandating stricter reporting requirements, site visits, and enhanced tools for agencies to catch and prevent fraud.
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HF 3: Introduces “fraud notes,” a tool to assess the susceptibility of proposed legislation to fraud, helping lawmakers make more informed decisions.
Making Minnesota Affordable:
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HF 4: Ensures future state budget surpluses are returned directly to taxpayers by proposing a constitutional amendment that prioritizes Minnesotans over government expansion.
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HF 5: Delivers sweeping tax reforms, including eliminating the state tax on Social Security income, repealing the retail delivery fee, and analyzing state tax policies to create a fairer system.
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HF 9: Modernizes renewable energy policies to include hydroelectric power, delays impractical mandates, and protects reliable energy infrastructure to stabilize energy costs for families and businesses.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to addressing real concerns while working across the aisle to find common-sense solutions that benefit all Minnesotans.
Focusing on the Work of the People
This week, a Public Safety Committee meeting was interrupted by a group of protesters seeking to disrupt the work of the Legislature. While we respect everyone’s right to be heard, it’s important to remember that our job as legislators is to uphold the Constitution and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us by Minnesotans.
Despite these disruptions, we remained focused on advancing the critical work of public safety for our communities. We are here to ensure that the legislative process remains open, fair, and productive. I am committed to engaging with constituents, respecting all voices, and ensuring that the work mandated by law is carried out for the good of our state.
Photos from this Week
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