Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
After nearly four weeks of delays, the House is finally back in session, and Republicans have secured a major victory. With Lisa Demuth as Speaker for the entire 2025-26 biennium and Republicans holding committee gavels until at least March 11th, we are ready to hit the ground running on Monday.
This means that for the first time in six years, House Republicans have the ability to advance policies that put Minnesotans first, conduct real oversight of the Walz administration, and prioritize public safety and fiscal responsibility.
Governor’s Budget Proposal
As the Legislature gets back to work, we face one of our most important responsibilities, crafting a new state budget for the next two years. Governor Walz recently released his $65.9 billion proposal, claiming that it includes “responsible cuts.” In reality, it raises taxes, reduces funding for essential services, and fails to provide meaningful relief for hardworking Minnesotans.
One of the most concerning aspects of this budget is a proposed expansion of the state sales tax. While Walz touts a minor rate reduction, his plan eliminates exemptions on legal, accounting, brokerage, and trust services—meaning Minnesotans will still pay more in sales taxes overall. Instead of providing real relief, this budget shifts the tax burden onto families, small businesses, and retirees.
Even more troubling is that Democrats are cutting funding for long-term care at a time when Minnesota’s senior population is growing and care facilities are already struggling. Instead of prioritizing seniors, this budget redirects funding to cover the long-term costs of new government programs Democrats created last session—programs that are already pushing the state toward a looming deficit.
House Republicans are committed to a responsible budget that prioritizes affordability, protects essential services, and does not raise taxes on Minnesotans.
Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans Initiative
One of our top priorities this session is ensuring that state-funded programs are reserved for legal residents and strengthening public safety. That’s why House Republicans unveiled the MN Tax Dollars for Minnesotans Initiative earlier this week.
A key part of this initiative is a bill authored by Rep. Max Rymer, which bans sanctuary city policies and requires local governments to report violent criminals who are in the country illegally to Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE). This bill is similar to the bipartisan Laken Riley Act, which recently passed the U.S. House with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Currently, some local governments refuse to cooperate with ICE, allowing dangerous offenders to remain in Minnesota communities instead of facing deportation. This bill ensures that:
- Violent criminals who are in the country illegally are reported to ICE, so they cannot reoffend.
- Local governments cannot enact sanctuary city policies that obstruct immigration enforcement.
- Public safety is prioritized over political agendas.
House Republicans remain committed to fiscal responsibility, public safety, and enforcing the law.
Looking Ahead
With the House back in session and Republicans in control of committee gavels, we’re ready to get to work on the issues that matter to you. There’s a lot of ground to cover after nearly a month of delays, but we are committed to fighting for responsible spending, safer communities, and better accountability in state government.
I appreciate hearing from you—please reach out with any thoughts, questions, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Representative Matt Bliss
House District 02B
Please Contact Me
It's an honor to be your voice in St. Paul. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. Your voice helps me better represent our community. If you'd like to reply, please do so at Rep.Matt.Blis@house.mn.gov, or call at 651.296.5516, as responses to this newsletter do not get to my inbox.
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