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February 8, 2025
Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
For nearly a month, House Democrats refused to show up for work, grinding the legislative process to a halt and delaying the important work we were elected to do. While Republicans were at the Capitol every single day, ready to serve Minnesotans, Democrats chose political games over governing—collecting taxpayer-funded paychecks while preventing us from addressing the priorities of the people.
Finally, after nearly four weeks, Democrats acquiesced and Republicans secured a major victory while setting the governing operations for the 2025-2026 biennium.
Republicans Secure a Strong Governing Agreement
Through this agreement, House Republicans have guaranteed:
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A Republican Speaker for the entire 2025-26 Legislative Biennium: Speaker Lisa Demuth will remain in her role for the next two years, ensuring that Republicans maintain control over the House.
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Five Weeks of Total Republican Control Over Committees: Until the special election in Roseville on March 11, Republicans will chair all committees and hold a voting majority in each. That means we have full control of committee hearings, legislative priorities, and oversight.
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A GOP-Led Fraud and Oversight Committee: One of our top priorities has been holding the Walz administration accountable for rampant fraud and mismanagement in state programs. As part of this agreement, Republicans have established a permanent House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee, with a 5-3 Republican majority for the entire biennium. This committee will have the power to investigate fraud in government programs and executive agencies, ensuring transparency and accountability. I am honored that Speaker Lisa Demuth has appointed me to serve on this crucial committee.
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Protection Against Future Power Grabs: If Democrats win the special election in March, the House will transition to a bipartisan committee system with co-chairs, ensuring equal representation in committees. However, Speaker Lisa Demuth will remain Speaker of the House no matter what, meaning Republicans will retain one of the most powerful positions in state government while controlling committees every other meeting. If Republicans win the March 11 special election in Roseville, this agreement will be voided and Republicans would take full majority control of the House.
This is a huge win for Republicans. Even with Democrats trying to delay the inevitable, we secured a deal that gives us the ability to lead, investigate, and pass legislation that prioritizes Minnesotans.
Specifically, this governing agreement gives Republicans the chance to prioritize election integrity efforts, hold public hearings to highlight the grave concerns we have seen in election administration from the Secretary of State, Scott County election officials, and other instances across the state. Republicans will begin working immediately to pass our agenda through committees while we can move our key priorities to the House Floor.
MN Tax Dollars for Minnesotans Initiative
Despite Democrat delays, House Republicans are focused on restoring fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayers. That’s why we introduced the MN Tax Dollars for Minnesotans Initiative, a legislative effort to ensure state-funded aid and programs are reserved for legal residents and comply with federal immigration laws.
This initiative includes two key bills:
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My bill, HF 10, prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving state-funded benefits like free college (North Star Promise), subsidized healthcare (MinnesotaCare), and other state-funded assistance. Right now, illegal immigrants qualify for financial aid before some legal Minnesota residents—that’s unacceptable.
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Rep. Max Rymer’s bill, HF 16, bans sanctuary city policies and requires local governments to report violent criminals who are here illegally to ICE. This ensures that law enforcement isn’t blocked from cooperating with federal immigration authorities and that dangerous offenders cannot avoid deportation due to weak policies.
Moving Forward
With the House duly organized , Republicans are ready to get to work. We will waste no time advancing legislation that strengthens public safety, combats government fraud, and prioritizes Minnesotans over political games.
While I am glad that Democrats have finally agreed to come back to work, they will have to answer for why they wasted nearly four weeks instead of coming to the table sooner.
Photos
 Jamie Pouliot, a State Ambassador of 4-H from Ogilvie, stopped by the Capitol to discuss the important work 4-H is doing to support youth development, leadership, and agricultural education. It was great to connect with her and hear firsthand about their priorities for the year!
 It was great to meet with Minnesota Farmers Union members from Swanville, Bowlus, Rice, Gilman, Upsala, and Ogilvie at the Capitol. We had a productive discussion about the challenges facing Minnesota’s farmers and the importance of supporting agriculture, rural communities, and family farms. Thanks for coming to the Capitol to advocate for our farm families!
I look forward to updating you as we get back to work at the Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out—I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
 Rep. Isaac Schultz
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