Legislative Update

Friends,

Today, we reached the first deadline of the legislative session. This means that for legislation to make it to the House floor for a full vote, it needs to have made it out of committees in both the House and Senate by this point.

Since the legislative session began in February, we’ve been working to address the needs of Minnesota because our great state is at a crossroads. We have to choose which way we want to go. Do we want to foster an environment where businesses can not only survive but thrive? Do we want an environment where people entering the workforce can find good jobs and turn that into a career? Do we want to continue to force local city councils, counties, and school districts to raise taxes because of mandates forced upon them? The simple question is, do we feel the current trajectory is acceptable, and can we continue down this path?

I don’t feel this path is sustainable. I know many hardworking members of our community want nothing more than to live a life without constant hurdles and constrictions placed upon them by officials in St. Paul. I think most agree with this; we are sick and tired of the divisiveness, the soundbites, and the mischaracterization of counterparts.

People campaign on solving problems but too often fall in line once they get to the Capitol. My focus this year has been simple: bring forward practical, common-sense solutions that actually improve people’s lives. That means moving beyond partisanship, being honest about what hasn’t worked, and advancing straightforward legislation on affordability, education, economic development, and fraud oversight.

Focused on What Works: Simple, Practical, Workable Solutions

Below are just a few bills that are part of a broader effort to deliver financial relief, support education, hold government accountable, stop fraud, and help businesses navigate costly state policies and mandates.

Affordability

Some of the tax relief proposals Republicans have discussed just this week include:

HF3524 – No Tax on Overtime 

HF3525 – No Tax on Tips 

HF3562 – Lower Car Tab Fees to pre-2023 levels 

HF3814 – Conformity with Federal Section 179 Expensing allows businesses to deduct more of the cost of equipment and investments in the year they purchase them, freeing up capital to reinvest in employees and growth. 

HF3815 – Conformity with Federal Business Interest Deductions allows businesses to deduct more interest expenses, helping companies that rely on loans to expand operations. 

HF3817 – Bonus Depreciation Conformity allows businesses to deduct the full cost of qualifying investments immediately, simplifying taxes and encouraging economic growth. 

HF4703 – Nuclear Moratorium Repeal regarding the production and use of nuclear energy in Minnesota. Cheaper, cleaner, more efficient than any form of energy production we have. It’s time for Minnesota to move up and energy prices to come down. 

Education

Two solutions I feel would go a long way in addressing some of the immediate challenges facing our schools and the dedicated teachers working in their classrooms.   

HF3490 – Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO) established to provide funding relief amidst the governors supplemental cuts to education.

HF1052 – Gives teachers the tools they need to regain control of their classrooms.  

Combatting Fraud & Waste in State Government 

HF936-Cost-benefit analysis to make sure rule changes don’t result in wasting even more taxpayer money.

SF856 – Office of Inspector General established to provide robust oversight with investigatory and enforcement authority. 

HF3395 –“Fraud Isn’t Free Act” a measure that will hold agency officials accountable for failing to stop fraud.  

HF3542 – A bill to prevent the coverup of fraud and investigative actions in state government . 

Workforce and Labor 

Paid Family Medical Leave Adjustments 

HF2113 – Small employers exempted from PFML. Mom and pop businesses do not have the same operating constraints and capabilities as Walmart.  

HF4569  – Seasonal employee definition applied to all industries and increase threshold from 150 to 180 days.  

As we move towards the next deadline, the focus needs to stay on results. Minnesotans are not asking for more political games or partisan talking points; they are asking for practical solutions that make their lives easier, more affordable, and more secure. The bills outlined above are just a portion of the work ready to move forward, and there are many more ideas on the table that deserve serious consideration. Partisanship is not a legitimate reason to stall progress for Minnesotans.

We have an opportunity right now to advance commonsense policies that support our schools, strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and restore accountability in state government. I will continue to push for these solutions, advocate on your behalf, and keep you informed every step of the way as we move through the remainder of the session.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and if you have any questions at all about where we are at in the legislative session or just want to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the contact info below. 

Have a great weekend,