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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol has been packed with floor sessions as we work through a long list of budget bills. Several have already passed, including Public Safety, Agriculture, Commerce, Veterans, Higher Education, and Transportation. These bills were negotiated by committee co-chairs from both parties, which means each includes a mix of GOP and DFL provisions. The process has been slow and tedious. With the May 19th deadline quickly approaching, a later start to session, and a projected $6 billion budget deficit on the horizon, we cannot afford to stall. We still have key bills in negotiation, and the Legislature needs to stay focused on delivering a responsible, balanced budget that addresses the serious financial challenges ahead.
Budget Bill Update
As I mentioned last week, negotiations are still ongoing for several bills, including health. Since then, an agreement was made for the K-12 education finance and policy bills between GOP and DFL committee leadership. Early this week, the Education bill was voted out of the Education Finance committee as well as the Ways and Means committee. In order to get voted out of these committees, the bill had to have both GOP and DFL support. When the Education bill came before the Rules committee with the intent to calendar it for the floor today, the DFL members of the committee voted against it. This bill was negotiated between both parties, approved by committee leadership, and passed by several committees, but the Democrats went back on their word and are now refusing to allow the bill to get to the floor. Their political games are keeping us from providing mandate relief to schools and teachers and improving educational outcomes for students. The Republicans are prioritizing funding for schools over mandates.
In the Health committee, negotiations are still held up due to the disagreement about MinnesotaCare. As I shared last week, the MinnesotaCare program provides free healthcare to illegal immigrants in Minnesota, and budget projections have skyrocketed since enrollment opened in January. Republicans are standing firm in opposition to this program, while Democrats continue to prioritize support for illegals over the needs of law-abiding, legal residents.
Property Tax Hikes
I've mentioned this before, but with several budget bills now passed off the floor, it's worth revisiting. Counties across Minnesota are signaling potential property tax increases, and many families are already feeling stretched thin. Republicans have worked to prioritize balanced budgets and long-term stability. Unfortunately, the DFL majority pushed through massive spending increases that pass costs down to local governments. That leaves counties with fewer options and homeowners stuck with the bill. It’s frustrating, and Minnesotans deserve better. As we continue to work on and pass budget bills, House Republicans are committed to lessening the burden on tax payers. When counties have to pass along taxes like these, it is the result of mismanagement at the state level in the past. Unfortunately, it cannot be fixed overnight, but one of our key priorities since the beginning of session has been to make Minnesota more affordable and that remains true now. Thank you for your trust and support to make these decisions and vote on legislation, and I ensure you that we see the negative impacts that residents are struggling to manage and are committed to making positive changes.
Recognizing Coach Kevin O'Connell
On Monday, we had the pleasure of recognizing Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on the House floor. He was honored for being named the NFL’s 2024 Coach of the Year after leading the team to an impressive 14-3 season. Coach O’Connell’s leadership has brought new energy to the team and to fans across the state. It was a great opportunity to celebrate his success and thank him for the example he sets both on and off the field.
 Three Rivers Park District: Animals on the Mall!
On Tuesday, Three Rivers Park District brought a variety of animals to the Capitol, including a few especially adorable baby lambs. It was a beautiful day outside and a perfect chance to step out, enjoy the sunshine, and say hello to the visiting farm animals. Events like this are a fun reminder of Minnesota’s agricultural roots and many parks across the state.
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