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March 21, 2025
Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we move through the legislative session, I want to update you on several important issues that I’m working on to support our communities and put more control into the hands of taxpayers. From ensuring responsible fiscal policy to supporting local schools, we’re tackling the priorities that matter to you. I also want to pass along some information to you about a new opioid disposal method that has been rolled out by the FDA and US postal Service, making it easier for Minnesotans to dispose of prescriptions to help prevent addiction and misuse.
Giving Taxpayers a Voice: HF 4
Minnesotans work hard for their money, and when the state collects more than it needs, those dollars should be returned to the people—not absorbed into more government spending. HF 4 gives Minnesotans the opportunity to decide whether future budget surpluses should be returned to taxpayers, rather than automatically spent by the Legislature.
This bill doesn’t change tax policy on its own—instead, it puts the question on the ballot in 2026, letting Minnesotans make the final call. It also does not impact budget reserves, ensuring that the state can still maintain responsible savings while preventing unnecessary stockpiling of tax dollars. Across Minnesota, whether it’s families, farmers, small business owners, or retirees, people agree: when there’s a surplus, taxpayers should benefit.
HF 4 is about fairness and common sense. In the past, both parties have supported responsible tax relief when the state had extra funds. This bill restores that practical approach, ensuring that Minnesotans—not government agencies—determine what happens with their hard-earned dollars.
Supporting Our Schools and Local Communities
When our schools are required by the state to make changes, they shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. That’s why I’ve introduced a bill to help a local school cover the costs of a state-mandated mascot change. This was not a locally driven decision, yet it comes with a price tag that impacts the district’s budget—funds that could be used for classrooms, teachers, and students.
Initially, this bill had bipartisan support, but due to legislative delays earlier this session, it had to be reintroduced. While I am the sole author at the moment, the bill continues to have broad backing, and I am committed to seeing it through. Schools should not be forced to divert limited resources to comply with mandates they had no say in. This bill ensures they get the support they need to manage these costs without taking away from students.
New Mail-Back Envelopes Available for Safe Opioid Disposal
Opioid misuse is a serious issue across the country, and ensuring safe disposal options is an important step in preventing addiction and protecting our communities. Beginning March 31, new federal regulations will require pharmacies to provide free, prepaid mail-back envelopes when patients pick up opioid analgesic prescriptions. This gives Minnesotans another safe and convenient way to dispose of unused medications.
Properly disposing of unused or expired opioids helps prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and reduces the risk of misuse. In addition to this new mail-back option, Minnesota already has hundreds of secure drop-off locations where residents can safely discard unwanted medications. To find a secure disposal site near you, visit MyOldMeds.com, where you can search for over 380 disposal locations statewide, including four in our district. Keeping these medications out of circulation helps protect families, prevent abuse, and keep our communities safe.
In District Office Hours
I'll be hosting some in-district office hours today, Friday, March 21, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. If you'd like to schedule a meeting, please send me an email at rep.Jeff.Dotseth@house.mn.gov.
Photos
 Thank you Mayor Jeff Bloom and Carlton County Commissioner Susan Zmyslony for coming down to the Capitol to testify on behalf of the City of Wrenshall Sewer, Water and Street Infrastructure and Capitol Investment Proposal.
 Great running into Caitlin Wright: CRRO and Jeremy Johnson: POC with the Cloquet fire district. Thank you for all you do to keep our communities safe!
 Great to see so many area businesses and smiling faces at the Cloquet area Business Expo.
 Lots of friends out at the Capitol today for National Agg Day!
 Great to have the team from C & L Distributing Cloquet down at the Capitol for Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Day at the Capitol.
 Great having Jon and Deb Chute down at the Capitol representing Farm Bureau today.
 Senator Rarick, Representative Nelson and myself met with constituents that came down to the Capitol advocating for Disability Services Day.
I am committed to working for you and ensuring our state government operates in a way that reflects the values and needs of Minnesotans. As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to continuing to serve you and advocating for our community’s best interests.
Sincerely,
Jeff
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