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February 13, 2025
Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
After weeks of delay, the Minnesota House is finally back to full strength, and we are getting back to the business of governing. Committees are now meeting, bills are moving forward, and soon we will begin floor votes on key legislation. With so many critical issues facing our state, I’m ready to get to work ensuring your priorities are addressed.
Fraud Committee Begins Work
One of our top priorities this session is tackling fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The newly formed House Fraud & Agency Oversight Committee held its first hearing this week, focusing on the Office of the Legislative Auditor’s findings on state-funded grants to nonprofits. The committee heard alarming testimony about how state agencies have repeatedly failed to enforce basic oversight, allowing fraudsters to exploit taxpayer dollars.
The goal of this committee is simple: protect taxpayer money and ensure government programs serve those in need—not those looking to take advantage of the system. With fraud losses in Minnesota exceeding $610 million under the Walz administration, we must take decisive action to hold agencies accountable and prevent further misuse of public funds. I will continue pushing for stronger oversight and accountability to safeguard your hard-earned tax dollars.
Eliminating the Tax on Social Security Income
House Republicans are making good on our promise to fully eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits. HF100, which I proudly support, would ensure that retirees no longer have to pay state taxes on their Social Security income—relief that is long overdue.
Minnesota is one of just a handful of states that still taxes Social Security, making retirement more expensive and driving seniors to move elsewhere. With rising costs of living, this tax cut would provide meaningful financial relief for retirees and help keep seniors near their families here in Minnesota.
HF100 received its first hearing this past Wednesday in the Taxes Committee and passed along party lines. It was re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee for another round of hearings.
Protecting Infants and Supporting Mothers
Last session, Minnesota Democrats removed critical protections for infants who survive an abortion. The Born Alive Act ensured that if a baby was born alive during a failed abortion, doctors were required to provide life-saving care. That common-sense safeguard was stripped away.
I am supporting HF24, which would reinstate these protections and ensure that every child born in Minnesota receives the basic life-saving care they need to survive—regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
Additionally, HF25 would provide funding for maternal and infant care centers—helping women and families access vital healthcare and support services. This bill ensures that pregnant mothers and newborns have access to the resources they need, whether that be prenatal care, parenting classes, or assistance programs.
We must continue to advocate for policies that protect life and support families. These bills restore balance and compassion to our state’s approach to maternal and infant care.
Upcoming Public Meeting on Elk Restoration
As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, the Minnesota DNR and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are working on an elk restoration plan in Northeast Minnesota. There will be an in-person public meeting Today, Feb. 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Room 195, 2101 14th St., Cloquet, MN.
If you are interested in learning more or providing feedback, I encourage you to attend!
Photos
 Thank you, PBS North, for stopping by the Capitol and engaging in a very healthy and transparent conversation.
 Great to have so many familiar faces from back home down at the Capitol discussing issues related to Care Carlton as well as MSP and DOC.
 Had the opportunity, with fellow representatives, to spend some time with some friends from the Farm Bureau.
 Great to have Krysta Konieska & Keith Kalli down at the Capitol with the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association for MLBA/MMBA Day at the Capitol!
 Thank you to everyone that stopped by to discuss some of the challenges taking place in the dairy industry for Dairy Day at the Capitol.
Stay in Touch
As always, I appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions or concerns about these or other issues, please feel free to reach out to my office.
I look forward to continuing to fight for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense policies at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Jeff
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