Focus on Affordability

March 16, 2026

Focus on Affordability

Friends and Neighbors,

This week at the State Legislature, I continued my focus on affordability and making Minnesota a great state to raise a family. 

The Minnesota government has a spending problem, and the fraud, waste, and abuse that has occurred under the Walz Administration show that the executive branch is an irresponsible steward of our money. It is my mission at the House to get as much money as I can back into the hands of Minnesotans, rather than filling the coffers of the state government.

No Tax On Tips And Overtime

House Republicans have recently introduced HF3525 and HF3524, which will bring Minnesota in line with federal law regarding no tax on tips and qualified overtime by establishing tax deductions for these types of income. If passed, these bills are estimated to put upwards of $300 million directly back into the pockets of working Minnesotans every year.

Amazingly, despite their self-appointed title as the "party of the working class," House Democrats are doing everything within their power to block these bills, as they believe that they know better than you, how to spend your money. Rep. Aisha Gomez (D-Minneapolis) even described the bills as "an expensive gimmick" during a recent committee meeting.

Minnesotans expect to see the benefits of the America First agenda.

Democrats Float 5x Car Tab Fee Increase

In 2023, the DFL Trifecta passed legislation that raised car tab fees on Minnesotans from 1.285% to 1.575% of a vehicle's original value. They also slowed the vehicle depreciation schedule, so that vehicles retain their elevated taxable value for longer. This legislation was an affront to Minnesotans who were already struggling to keep up with President Biden's high-inflation economy. 

Amazingly, House Democrats this week floated the idea to "quintuple" your car tab fees to FIVE TIMES the elevated fees that you are already paying now!

Click HERE to watch Rep. Meg Luger-Nikolai (D-St. Paul) in committee.

Statements like this reflect the DFL's ultimate indifference about making life easier for Minnesotans.

Rest assured that Republicans would reject this legislation and we are currently advocating for your car tab fees to be reduced back to their pre-DFL Trifecta levels.

Governor Walz Obfuscates On Fraud

On Tuesday, Governor Walz held a press conference in an attempt to make Minnesotans believe that he is now serious about tackling fraud. However, his refusal to release the findings of the Optum Report suggests otherwise.

This report was intended to give the public more information about the fraud that has occurred through a third-party audit of Minnesota's Medicaid system. Yet, when the report was released, entire pages of it were 100% redacted. Likewise, Governor Walz has yet to introduce to the State Legislature the details of the "Fraud Prevention Program" that he has been speaking about publicly. With committee deadlines rapidly approaching for introducing new bills, this means it is unlikely that any of these anti-fraud proposals can be passed into law this Legislative Session.

The people of Minnesota deserve to know the truth.

Mt. Simon Aquifer Use For Farmers

I have recently introduced HF4019 to expand eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer appropriation permits. This bill allows farmers in the area to access reliable water sources in Kanabec and Isanti Counties for agricultural purposes. Due to unintended consequences of legislation from prior years, farmers are currently not allowed to use the aquifer as a water source, and this legislation will restore access for our farmers.

Two Town Halls On March 19

I will be hosting two town halls next week, and I would love for you to join me to share your legislative priorities. Feedback from you is how I am best able to serve our community and draft bills that will improve our area, and Minnesota at large.

March 19 Town Hall Information:

Morning Town Hall

9:00AM – 10:00AM

Pierz City Hall

101 Main St, Pierz, MN 56364

Evening Town Hall

5:00PM – 6:00PM

O'Brien's Pub

10 E Main St, Rice, MN 56367

Members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board

Minnesota Beverage Association Day on the Hill

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Day on the Hill

Thank you again to all the constituents who came down to visit me in St. Paul, and I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or priorities that you would like to share with me.

I hope to see you on March 19 – the last town hall that I hosted had a record turnout, so let's keep the momentum going!

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