Week 2 Update

February 27, 2026

Top Priority: Lowering Taxes

Friends and Neighbors,

Minnesota's February Budget and Economic Forecast was just released, which provides the financial picture that guides the decision-making at the State Capitol. The forecast projects a large budget surplus in the short term and a stable budgetary outlook for the state, with a record-setting amount of money in the budget reserves. 

Now is the time to cut our taxes. 

This week at the State Capitol, I continued to advocate for across-the-board tax cuts for Minnesotans. From income and property taxes, to car tabs, boat fees, and Social Security, Minnesotans are consistently overtaxed and deserve relief—especially when you consider how much of our money is squandered on fraud, waste, and abuse.

DFL Attempts To Gut OIG Bill

In our ongoing effort to protect your money, Republicans fought to pass common-sense reforms that will safeguard the public against future fraud in Minnesota. One of the primary reasons our state's fraud epidemic was allowed to fester for so long is that Minnesota's executive branch has been far too lenient on program integrity principles and has not stopped payment to convicted fraudsters across the state government. 

Legislators across all parties have realized that this is a problem and have been working over the past year to put together a bipartisan bill that will establish an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG). This office would be independent from the governor, while still carrying law enforcement authority. 

However, despite passing the Senate 60–7 with encouraging bipartisan support, Governor Walz has been working alongside House Democrats to gut the OIG bill in an attempt to once again remove the independence of this office. This recent 180 from Democrats has been extremely frustrating for House Republicans; it is a total capitulation to Governor Walz, who is presumably afraid of what an independent authority will uncover regarding his own role in ignoring, or perhaps even facilitating, the fraud. Minnesotans deserve an apolitical OIG that is not beholden to the political expediency of whoever happens to hold the Governor’s Office in any given year.

Walz Appoints Incompetent to Lead DHS

Adding insult to injury, Governor Walz just appointed Shireen Gandhi as permanent commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. In an attempt to underplay the magnitude of the fraud that has taken place under their leadership, DHS administrators have recently been caught forging evidence and targeting whistleblowers who have attempted to bring accountability. Her appointment is a blatant example of failing upwards, as Gandhi has held a key role in the administration, while Minnesota has experienced this nation-leading fraud crisis. 

Blocking Historic DFL Gun Grab

The DFL is continuing its ever-persistent push for more unconstitutional gun bans, including H.F. 3434, which would require Minnesotans in possession of a "semiautomatic military-style assault weapon" to register with the state, as well as ban the possession of a magazine exceeding ten rounds. Those who do not comply would face a felony sentence of up to five years in prison. The majority of semiautomatic rifles and pistols can hold different-sized magazines, and most of these magazines hold a capacity of over ten rounds. This means a conservative estimate of the impact of this bill would be that over one million Minnesotans find themselves classified as felons overnight.

By introducing this legislation, not only do DFL legislators once again show that they have absolutely no clue how the mechanics of firearms actually work, but they also demonstrate their wanton disregard for the Second Amendment and Supreme Court precedent that has upheld the people's right to own "common use" firearms.

Fortunately, Republicans currently hold enough House seats that we are able to block this bill and others like it. However, its mere introduction demonstrates just how far the radical left is willing to go and what they would do if they had a DFL trifecta.

Paid Family Medical Leave Feedback

I have heard many concerns from employers regarding the rollout of Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program (PFML). Everyone can agree that there should be laws in place to ensure fair treatment of employees. However, the compliance, cashflow, and staffing burdens that this one-size-fits-all piece of legislation has saddled upon job creators are too much. 

I am seeking feedback from you about the rollout of PFML. Your experiences with the program will help me to draft legislation with the intent of lessening the program's adverse impact on Minnesota's business community. If you have an opinion or story to share about PFML, please reach out to me at Rep.Isaac.Schultz@house.mn.gov, or give me a call at 651-296-6746. I would love to hear your input.

A Message of Optimism

Despite the alarming trajectory that the far left in the Twin Cities is trying to drag our state toward, we must keep in mind that there are far more of us normal Minnesotans than there ever will be of them. With our tie in the House, we hold a significant amount of leverage to block their misguided agenda, and get back to common-sense policies that reflect the most frequent refrain that I hear from constituents:

"I just want the government to leave me alone."

I share this sentiment, and that is what my work at the Legislature is all about.

Stay Up-to-Date

Follow me on Twitter @ImSchultz and check out my official Facebook Page for daily updates on the important issues at the capitol.

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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.6746