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March 21, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 session has been nothing short of eventful. We started under the assumption that the House would be tied 67-67, but after a court ruled that the Democrat winner in 40B didn’t actually live in the district, his victory was overturned. What followed was a month-long Democrat stall tactic—refusing to work and preventing the Legislature from moving forward.
Once Republicans broke the deadlock and forced action, we operated with a one-seat majority for nearly six weeks—passing more in that short time than some full sessions accomplish. 194 committee reports, seven bills, and 39 more sent to the general register.
Last week’s special election gave 40B back to the Democrats, which was expected in a heavily blue district. Yesterday, the new member was sworn in, and the House returned to a 67-67 tie.
So what changes? Not much. Republican Speaker Lisa Demuth remains in her position for the full two-year term. The biggest shift is that committee membership will now be evenly split, with chairs alternating by meeting. That means every bill will require bipartisan support to move forward—which could make budget talks more difficult.
The House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Committee also remains under Republican control, with a permanent 5-3 GOP majority. This is a huge win for accountability, ensuring we can investigate fraud and mismanagement in Walz’s agencies for the rest of the biennium.
Returning Surplus Money to Taxpayers
Minnesotans are tired of runaway government spending. That’s why House Republicans pushed HF 4, which would ensure that any future budget surplus over 105% is automatically returned to taxpayers.
This bill is simple and fair—it guarantees that once the government meets its obligations and savings accounts are full, excess tax dollars go back to you, not into government pet projects.
If this bill had been law before Democrats blew the record-high $18 billion surplus, Minnesotans would have received $5 billion in tax relief. Instead, Democrats spent every penny—and left the state with a $6 billion deficit.
Where did all that money go? It went to DFL pet projects like DEI mandates in schools, a high-speed rail to Duluth (that no one asked for), and even a new luxury office building for legislators.
HF 4 would have put tax refunds on the ballot in 2026, allowing you—the voters—to decide. But Democrats, who claim their voters are happy handing over their money, blocked it.
Protecting Babies and Supporting Mothers
Last week, House Republicans brought forward two crucial bills to protect newborns and support mothers—and Democrats blocked both.
The first was HF 24, which would have reinstated the Born Alive protections that used to be in state law. This bill would require doctors to provide life-saving care to any baby born alive after a failed abortion. This basic protection was Minnesota law for 17 years before Democrats repealed it in 2023.
This bill does not restrict abortion—it simply ensures that once a child is born, they receive medical care like any other newborn. Failing to do so is a gross violation of medical ethics and a moral failing.
Shockingly, every Democrat voted against it. When this law originally passed, it had bipartisan support—including from former Speaker Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Murphy. But now, their party has shifted so far left they refuse to affirm that a living baby deserves care.
HF 25 would have restored funding for pregnancy resource centers. For nearly two decades, Minnesota funded pregnancy centers and maternity homes that provide resources, parenting classes, and real support to women with unplanned pregnancies. But in 2023, Democrats eliminated $4 million in funding—while keeping $24 million for Planned Parenthood.
HF 25 would have simply restored that funding—ensuring women had real options and resources. Once again, Democrats voted it down.
These weren’t extreme proposals. They were common-sense protections that had bipartisan support for 17 years. I hope we’ll have another opportunity to pass them this session.
Thank You for Attending my Town Hall!
Thank you to everyone who joined me at the Old Creamery Café in Rice. I’m grateful for the thoughtful questions, honest conversations, and strong turnout.
Hearing directly from you helps guide my work at the Capitol as we fight for common-sense policies—fiscal responsibility, protecting life, and standing up for Minnesota families.
As always, I will keep fighting for our district and standing up for our shared conservative values. If you have any concerns or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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 Have a great weekend,
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