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February 7, 2025
Legislative Update
Dear 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 serving as Speaker for the entire 2025-26 biennium and Republicans holding committee gavels until at least March 11th, we are ready to get back to work and tackle the important issues facing our communities.
I’m happy my Democrat colleagues have returned to work, and I look forward to collaborating with them on important priorities for our district. While tensions have been high, it’s important that we exercise grace with one another, as all bills will require bipartisan support to pass. I have faith we can put all this behind us and pass meaningful legislation that helps Minnesotans.
Republicans Secure a Major Victory in House Agreement
After weeks of Democrat obstruction, an agreement has finally been reached that puts Republicans in a strong position for the next two years. Under this deal:
- Lisa Demuth will remain Speaker of the House for the entire 2025-26 biennium, ensuring Republican leadership in the chamber.
- Republicans will chair all committees and hold a one-vote majority on every committee until the March 11th special election in Roseville. If that election brings the House back to a tie, committees will be split 50/50 and have one chair from each party.
- A new GOP-led House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee will be created to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. This committee will have a 5-3 Republican majority for the full two years.
Despite the unnecessary delays, this is a huge win for Republicans and the people of Minnesota. Now, it’s time to focus on the work that truly matters; getting to the priorities of Minnesota families.
Local Priorities Moving Forward
With the House finally functioning again, I am eager to get to work on local infrastructure and wastewater projects that will benefit our district. These are common-sense investments that improve our communities, and they should never have been put on hold.
This is also a budget year, meaning we need to pass a full two-year state budget. Every week that was wasted makes that job harder, and the last thing anyone wants is another rushed, last-minute deal packed with bad policies and wasteful spending.
Minnesotans expect solutions, not political games. Now that we’re back in session, we need to get things done.
District Spotlight: Career Day at Queen of Peace Catholic School
Even with all that's been happening at the Capitol, I had the chance last Friday to visit Queen of Peace Catholic School for Career Day!
I met with students to talk about my job as a legislator, how laws are made, and why public service matters. It’s always inspiring to see young minds engaged and asking great questions about how government works.
I may have been the one giving the presentation, but let me tell you, I met some of our community’s future leaders in that classroom. Whether they go on to serve in government, business, education, or any other career, it’s clear that our next generation is full of talent and curiosity.
A big thank you to Queen of Peace Catholic School for inviting me. These conversations are an important reminder of why we do what we do—to build a stronger future for the next generation.
Other Photos from the Week
 Great discussion with Steve Knutson & Jim Williams from RAM Mutual Insurance Company. They enlightened me on the various challenges that they are facing in their industry.
 I’d like to thank Sandy Dugan, representing Minnesota Farmers Union, for coming down from our district to the Capitol to go over some of the legislative concerns they have this year.
 It’s always great to have Nathan Barta representing Thompson Township stop by the Capitol. Thank you for sharing some of the legislative priorities.
 Thank you, Dr. Sasha Narayan O.D and colleagues for coming down to the Capitol for the Minnesota Optometric Association’s Capitol Day. Thank you for going over some of the legislative priorities in your industry.
If you ever have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, my door is always open. I look forward to hearing from you. It will be full speed ahead over the next few weeks. If you’d like to stay up to date on what I’m up to at the capitol, consider following my Facebook page. Additionally, feel free to share our newsletter with any friends or family that may be interested. They can sign up here.
I also want to wish you all a happy Super Bowl weekend. I hope you get the chance to enjoy time with friends and family, enjoy some good food and drinks, funny commercials, and hopefully an entertaining football game.
Sincerely,
Jeff
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