Dear Neighbor,
The legislature adjourned this week after a weekend where House Republicans delivered major victories on affordability, fighting fraud, and increasing accountability in state programs.
House Republicans spent the last two years restoring balance in St. Paul after the former trifecta spent the $18 billion surplus, increased state spending by 40 percent and raised taxes by $10 billion to boot – not to mention all the radical policy bills they enacted.
Even while controlling just one-half of one-third of state government, Republicans successfully blocked billions in proposed tax hikes, secured property tax and car tab relief, advanced meaningful anti-fraud reforms, invested in school safety and more. Here is a look at some of the major victories we delivered for Minnesotans this session:
Tax relief
Making life more affordable was a major focus for House Republicans throughout the entire session and, because of House Republicans’ hard work this session, $400 million in tax relief will be delivered to hardworking Minnesotans. This includes:
- $125 million in property tax cuts
- $250 million in car tab fee reductions
- Ending the ballpark sales tax
- One Big Beautiful Bill tax conformity to help Minnesota businesses and job creators
- Extending the Pass-Through Entity tax provision, providing hundreds of millions in relief for Minnesota businesses at zero cost to the state
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel credit.
- Delaying PFAS reporting requirements for 9 months through the end of the 2027 session, giving Minnesota businesses relief from costly compliance requirements.
There’s a lot more I’d like to do so people can keep more of the money they earn, but this is a good start. We tried to even more relief, but Democrats called a $1,500 property tax rebate “not serious,” a “gimmick,” and then blocked our plan to give Minnesotans real property tax relief. At least they weren’t able to raise taxes yet again, only because House Republicans blocked numerous bad ideas Twin Cities liberals proposed, including:
- Creating a fifth income tax bracket, which would drive away more high earners by installing the fourth-highest income tax in the nation.
- Placing a 1% wealth tax on all assets exceeding $10 million. Includes businesses, investments, homes, land, vehicles, art, etc. In effect, would allow the state to gradually seize farmland from working families. Would also lead to mass legal disputes over the proper valuation of unsold property and plummeting long-term business investment.
- Banning rifles and magazines with a capacity over 10 rounds.
- Limiting law enforcement's ability to protect their identities from criminal cartels.
- Codifying abortion up to the date of birth into the State Constitution.
- Requiring taxpayers to cover gender transition surgery for state employees.
- Withholding state funds from cities who refuse to fly the new and unpopular state flag.
Cracking down on fraud
The House adopted Medicaid work requirements included in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill to create long-term savings, strengthen accountability, and help combat fraud. This is in addition to the House’s recent approval of creating a new Office of the Inspector General and implementing other anti-fraud reforms to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in government.
Helping counties
Last weekend, the House approved technology updates for counties that are critical to protecting taxpayers, strengthening accountability and making sure benefits go to the Minnesotans who truly qualify instead of being stolen by fraudsters.
Funding projects
A $1.2 billion construction package also received approval, funding infrastructure projects throughout the state.
Back home
With the legislature having adjourned, I look forward to spending more time visiting with people back home. Hope to see you around and, as always, feel free to reach out if there’s anything I can do to help.
Sincerely,
Shane