Legislative Update
Friends,
We are midway through March, and legislative deadlines are quickly approaching at the end of the month. While this is not a budget year, there’s a lot of consequential policy decisions and opportunities to deliver some big wins and necessary changes for the people of Minnesota.
We have a chance to deliver much needed tax relief for Minnesota families like a significant reduction in car tab fees, conforming with federal law to remove the tax on tips and overtime, a reduction in property taxes. Some federal conformity changes would provide a major influx of funding for schools across the state. Bipartisan anti-fraud legislation that would be incredibly effective at putting an end to fraud in Minnesota. And school safety legislation that can earn broad support, allowing schools to make flexible security choices that fit their environment through flexible funding for security upgrades
These proposals have high demand, are entirely reasonable, and most importantly, straightforward enough to earn support amongst a large coalition of Minnesotans.
That’s why I find it so disappointing to see my colleagues on the other side of the aisle digging their heels in opposition to policies that can do so much good for the people of our state. I know these aren’t a “fix all” for the challenges we face today but there’s no doubt that they would go a long way in improving affordability, contributing to school funding and safety, and stemming the flow of taxpayer dollars to criminals.
I would like to highlight two of these efforts below.
Results Driven Security Upgrades for Schools
I am proud to co-author HF 3493, legislation that expands access to safe schools funding so schools can strengthen security, upgrade facilities, and support student safety efforts.
This is not a flashy bill, and it is not meant to grab headlines. What it does is provide schools with practical tools and resources that will make a real difference in keeping students and staff safe. That part should not be controversial. I support this proposal not because it is attention-grabbing, but because it is results-driven. When it comes to school safety, what matters most is implementing solutions that actually work.
If we want to make real progress on school safety, we need to focus on workable solutions that can earn the bipartisan support necessary to pass. We cannot allow this issue to become a vehicle for broader national agendas that distract from the real changes needed here in Minnesota.
The best policies come from listening to the people closest to our schools: parents, teachers, administrators, and local leaders. When we focus on practical solutions and work together, we can give schools the tools they need to keep Minnesota students safe.
A recent article written by a parent whose child attended Annunciation Catholic School highlights exactly why practical solutions like this matter.
Taking Advantage of a Federal Tax Credit for Minnesota Schools
H.F. 3490 would opt Minnesota into a federal program that provides a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that fund K-12 education scholarships.
A simple proposal that benefits students, teachers, and taxpayers at no cost to the state.
Minnesota taxpayers already send these dollars to Washington. HF 3490 gives us the opportunity to bring some of that money back and put it to work in our schools.
If even a small percentage of Minnesotans participate in this program, conservative estimates show it could generate well over $100 million in additional funding for schools across our state.
The alternative? Saying no and allowing those dollars to benefit schools in other states instead of Minnesota. That simply does not make sense.
This program already exists under federal law and comes at zero cost to the state. It would apply to every school in Minnesota, public and non-public alike, creating a new funding stream that schools can use to support students.
As a middle school principal, I know how valuable additional resources can be for things like:
- tutoring
- enrichment opportunities
- student support services.
Simply put: this bill represents an incredible win for both schools and taxpayers.
Unfortunately, I’ve also heard some blatant misinformation about this bill, with critics attempting to label it a “voucher program.”
That could not be further from the truth
I addressed this misinformation during our committee hearing and explained just exactly what this bill is and does.
My Comments in Committee:
On Tuesday this week, I joined my colleagues for a press conference discussing this bill and its benefits for Minnesota. Please watch below.
Press Conference:
Thank You for Participating the Legislative Process
I want to thank you for staying engaged with me as we move through the 2026 legislative session. As always, there will be ups and downs, but I remain committed to delivering results to my constituents. Despite the lack of cooperation we’ve experienced so far, I’m determined to see practical solutions like these through.
I hope you will continue to reach out to myself and my office to provide feedback on legislation, ideas on how we can improve, and concerns you’d like me to hear. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-5185 or by email at rep.ben.bakeberg@house.mn.gov.
Have a great weekend and keep your eyes on the weather.
Sincerely,
